PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATEMENT
EXTENSION TO SALINA PARK,
QAWRA ROAD,
SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR
APRIL 2012
PARK &Initiatives
(MRRA)
1
Table of Contents
1
Details of the person wishing to carry out the development………………
4
2
Introduction and Background ……………………………………………..
4
3
Brief description of the project and its general objectives………………… 7
4
Project timeframe and why this preferred timing…………………………. 8
5
Location of proposed Park ………………………………………………… 8
6
Consideration of Alternatives ………………………………………………10
7
Present land uses and environmental characteristics of site ………………. 10
8
Physical characteristics of proposed Park ………………………………..... 12
9
Environmental characteristics of surrounding land uses ……………………18
10
Service utilities existing on site ……………………………………………..18
11
Employment of persons on site and related machinery/ equipment to be used
for this project ……………………………………………………………….19
12
Construction methodology …………………………………………………. 19
13
Access and parking provisions on / off the site:
a. During construction; and ……………………………………………… 20
b. During operation ………………………………………………………. 20
13
Mitigation measures ……………………………………………………….. 23
List of Figures
Figure 1
Aerial View …………………………………………………………….. 5
Figure 2
Aerial View – Photographic Survey ……………………………………. 6
Figure 3
Existing General Site Layout SAL 1300-12 …………………………….. 9
Figure 4
Existing Block Plan SAL-1400-12 …………………………………….. 11
Figure 5
Proposed Block Plan SAL-1500-12 …………………………………… 14
Figure 6
Proposed Plan with Longitudinal Section SAL-0402-11………………. 15
Figure 7
Part Plans & Sections SAL-0501-11 ……………………………………16
Figure 8
Cascading Water Features SAL-0601/11 ……………………………… 17
Figure 9
Access Arrangement during Construction SAL-1600-12 ………………21
Figure 10
Access to Park during Operation SAL-0403/12 ……………………….. 22
2
Annex 1
Surrounding Areas and Site Photos
3
1
Details of the person wishing to carry out the development
The Extension to Salina Park is being proposed by the Parks & Initiatives Department
within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs
Address
Director Mr Herman Galea
Park & Initiatives
Ta’ Qali
Attard
Tel: 22928100
Email: [email protected]
Applicant :
Dr Christopher Ciantar – Permanent Secretary
Address
MRRA Block B
Francesco Buonamici Street
Floriana
2
Introduction & Background
Reference to the Aerial View (Figure 1) and Photographic Survey (Figure 2), the site of
this proposed project lies adjacent to an already existing approved Salina National Park
(PA 2020/07). Hence this proposal is referred to as an Extension to Salina National Park.
4
Figure 1
5
Figure 2
6
3
Brief description of the project and its general objectives
The main objective for the extension of the Salina Park is to retain the public in the same
environment by providing a diversity of activities and a larger environment for recreation
to different age groups.
It shall also address the increase in demand of public (local and foreign visitors) visiting
the existing Salina National Park. The extension shall seek to complement and diversify
the recreational product to provide a holistic recreational area which caters for all ages.
Entrance to this extension of Salina Park can be either:
1. Directly from the car park located at the upper part of this Park; or
2.
From the side of the Park which links to the existing Salina Park.
The second option welcomes the visitors into the Park by the continuation of the water
stream feature which is a reflection of the already existing water stream at the lateral side
of the existing Salina Park.
Similarly, this water stream is located adjacent to the
pedestrian footpath. While parks tend to be less popular for visitors during the summer
season, it is for this reason that a large stretch of stream is provided across the park so as
to refresh the atmosphere together with the shaded areas that the trees shall provide later
on in time. The described water stream extends to the central area and circulates around
the unique open space provided within the extension of Salina Park so as to be enjoyed
by the visitors both in the winter and summer seasons and yet running across the
afforestated area. Within the extension, three areas for playing equipment are introduced
within the Salina Park for children of different ages. These playing equipment areas are
segregated by the various sections of the afforestated area.
Reservoirs for water catchment and for storage / recycling of water for water features are
located at the central area. The objective of the water reservoir is to minimise water
wastage and utilise this water as a resource.
7
4
Project timeframe and why this preferred timing
It is envisaged that preparatory works including: the removal of soil material, the shifting
of soil to other areas within the site, and excavation and construction works shall
commence during the last quarter of 2012, continuing into the first quarter of year 2013
(depending upon issue of development permit and as per Ministerial program of works).
Initially works shall be focused on the excavation and construction of the water and
irrigation reservoirs. This sequence is preferred in order to have the central area (that is,
reservoirs) roofed over, hence providing open clear space for manoeuvring of
construction heavy vehicles. Works on pathways, central area features, water stream and
the car park shall proceed immediately afterwards. The target is to complete the whole
project by the end of year 2013.
5
Location of proposed Park
The proposed extension to Salina National Park is located in J. F. Kennedy Road.
Flanking the other side of this same road is the existing Salina National Park (PA
2020/07).
Given the very close proximity to the existing Salina National Park as
illustrated in the Aerial View Photographic Survey and Existing General Site Layout
SAL 1300-12 (Figures 1 and 3), the proposed extension was considered ideal. The
location of the proposed car park is in an existing side dirt track road which is proposed
to be widened.The exit shall lead to Qawra Road.
8
Figure 3
9
6
Consideration of Alternatives
The proposal is in accordance to the North West Local Plan – MAP 40 and NWSP 161
which earmark this area as Site Safeguarded for Recreation.
As indicated in the
Development Brief prepared for this site, the proposed Park aims to accommodate more
spaces for leisure and recreational uses.
The proposed Park has been designed with the intention to maximise the area with trees
as well as to provide a good balance of open space area while introducing the water
element. The design took into consideration the fact that other surrounding land uses
shall not be effected both during construction and also once the project is complete. The
heavy vehicles to be used for construction shall have access through an already existing
dirt track road Figure 1. There shall be no impact on passer-bys or on the passing traffic
during construction as the proposed reservoirs are retracted at a considerable distance
away from the main road.
7
Present land uses and environmental characteristics of site
Presently the site considered for this application is an arable land covered in soil with a
few olive trees (Olea Europea) as indicated on Existing block Plan SAL 1400-12 (Figure
4) and photos in Annex 1. The site is sloping downwards and the differences in existing
levels result in a slope with an average gradient of 1:20.
1
“The site indicated on Map 40, forming part of the Burmarrad National Park, is being
safeguarded for informal recreational uses only…..”
10
Figure 4
11
8
Physical characteristics of proposed Park
As depicted on drawing Proposed Block Plan SAL 1500-12 (Figure 5), visitors are either
introduced into the site by a water stream and pedestrian passage - which is a
continuation from the existing Salina Park (PA 2020/07); or directly from the proposed
parking at the upper end of the proposed project. The water stream leads into the central
open space area and encircles this open space from which pathways are dispersed into the
afforestated areas. As indicated on Figure 5 there are playing areas located along some of
the pathways. The various playing areas are targeted to attract children of various ages in
a healthy natural environment. Two separate reservoirs shall be constructed both for
water circulated by the water features and also for storage of surface water run-off. The
volume of the latter shall be about 613.8 cubic metres. The finished level for the
proposed passages within the site leading to the playing equipment and the afforestated
areas shall result to a steepest gradient of 1:20 while the central area shall be level and at
the same gradient.
The link between the two Parks is provided by a safe crossing junction including Belisha
beacon lights as approved by Transport Malta - reference to drawing Access to Park –
During Operation SAL-0403/12 (Figure 10).
Water from the water streams is collected into the reservoir and pumped back into the
water features.
The water reservoir serves as a water catchment from the paved
pedestrian areas so as to be used as desired for irrigation rather then being dispersed and
lost.
The following is a percentage indication of the various characteristics included within
this proposed project (also with reference to Drawings: Proposed block Plan SAL150012, Proposed Plan with Longitudinal Section SAL-0402-11, Part Plans & Sections SAL
0501-11 and Cascading Water Features SAL 0601/11 (Figures 5,6,7,and 8):
12
Area / m2
Percentage / %
Landscaping Area
5290
69.4
Pedestrian Paved Area
818
10.7
Parking / Road Area
1187
15.6
Playing Area Equipment
180
2.36
Water Stream Area
144
1.9
Total Site Area
7627
100
Description
Underground utilities:
Water Reservoir
330
Pump Room & Services
604
13
Figure 5
14
Figure 6
15
Figure 7
16
Figure 8
17
9
Environmental characteristics of surrounding land uses
Reference to Figure 2 and Photos Annex 1
The site of the application in question is presently surrounded by afforestated areas:- the
already described National Park covered by permit number PA 2020/07, areas
surrounding Kennedy Grove including ex Camping site while at the backdrop of the site
there are residential areas and a hotel.
At the upper part of the site – partly private owned and partly government owned. In the
government owned site there are already existing trees which are being taken care of by
MRRA. The lower part of this site is also government owned and taken care by MRRA.
Figures 3 and 4 indicate the existing trees located within the above mentioned areas.
Trees upper area: Pinus Halepensis, Ceratonia Siliqua, Cupressus Sempervirens, Olea
Europea, Tetraclinis Articulata
Trees at lower area: Pinus Halepensis, Ceratonia Siliqua, Prunus Dulcis, Cupressus
Sempervirens
10
Service utilities existing on site
Given that, the existing site is arable land and that there are no other uses within the site,
there are no services available presently. For the operation of the project, electricity and
water supply have to be introduced within the site through underground trenches.
Electricity is required for the operation of water pumps and pedestrian lighting while
water supply might be needed also for the pump and services room.
18
11
Employment of persons on site and related machinery/ equipment to be used
for this project
The machinery needed during construction would primarily involve:
-
Mechanical excavators and backhoes for removal of topsoil and excavation of
rock;
-
Trenchers to excavate trenches for services;
-
Concrete mixers, transportation trucks and crane;
-
It is estimated that an average 10 personnel daily will be employed by contractor
for this project. This includes skilled and unskilled workers on site, truck drivers,
and site engineers and other technical personnel.
Once the project is completed it is envisaged that the recruitment of four semiskilled/skilled personnel would be required to take care and maintain the site – this being
mainly the landscaped area, water stream and pedestrian area. The equipment to be used
for maintenance of the site during the operation of the project include mowers, water
tanker for the filling in of water reservoir, other agricultural and hand held tools.
12
i.
Construction methodology
Phase 1: Excavation and Construction Works for Reservoir
-
This will involve the removal of the top soil to reach rock level and
excavation of rock further down. The only excavation wastes generated from
this project shall be excavated rock during excavation of the reservoir. It is
estimated that about 315 cubic metres of soil shall be removed. This soil will
be used for the landscaped areas within the site. To date the rock level is not
known exactly but it is assumed that about 738 cubic metres will be
excavated. Any rock material which is good quality will be recycled for on
site or off site use.
Other material not suitable for construction will be
transported to approved dumping sites. Material excavated will consist of
19
boulders of different sizes.
No other wastes will be generated during
construction and operation.
ii.
Phase 2: Formation of pathways and recreation area
-
Excess soil material for the formation of the required levels for pathways shall
be re-used within the site for levelling up and formation of pathways.
13
Access and parking provisions on / off the site:
a.
During construction;
Access (entry and exit) into the site during construction works is from an
existing secluded dirt track as illustrated in drawing Access Arrangement during
Construction SAL 1600-12 (Figure 9) - which would eventually form part of the
proposed parking area. The vehicles, machinery and equipment can be parked along
this dirt track which is secluded from the arterial and secondary roads. The Contractor
will be obliged to place sprinklers at the ends of the construction site to clean the
truck tires before they access the asphalted roads.
b.
During operation
Access into and out of the park and Parking arrangements are as per drawing Access to
Park – During Operation SAL 0403/12 (Figure 10) and approved by Transport Malta.
20
Figure 9
21
Figure 10
22
14
Mitigation measures
The following are the mitigation measures adopted for this project:
-
All the agricultural soil that shall be removed will be reused on site for
landscaping purposes;
-
The existing trees on site shall be protected and there is ample space so as to
prevent heavy vehicles from encroaching close to them;
-
The existing trees located close to the periphery of the site will relief any
negative visual impacts;
The only environmental impacts likely to be generated by the project are dust and noise
pollution within the site during excavation works for the reservoirs. However given that
the site is at a considerable distance away from the buildings and habitable areas, these
can be considered as negligible.
23