REFURBISHMENT OF EUROPA POINT

The Europa Point is to be refurbished and converted into one of Gibraltar's leading leisure facilities for the enjoyment of residents and tourists.

The project began this week.

The Government has awarded the contract to Sharrock Shand.

The enormous potential of this area will be realised through the introduction of a new beautification scheme which fully integrates all users and provides a new range of facilities in a pleasant and attractive environment. The newly-landscaped zone will encourage a greater use of one of the most popular outdoor spots on the Rock.

The proposals will include the following measures:

- Demolition of existing buildings to allow for extended open area and exposure of views.
- Removal of traffic from current asphalted area and development of this as pedestrian public promenades.
- Creation of a new roundabout to limit vehicular traffic to eastern roadway only.
- Formation of public pavement along east boundary.
- Formation of public open car park with provision for small coaches and taxis.
- Relocation of bus stop.
- New pedestrian avenue linking Nun's Well and Europa Point areas.
- Provision of extensive open air children's playing areas and a ball playing enclosure.
- Provision of extensive seating/picnic benches overlooking leisure promenades and play areas.
- Provision of public toilets.
- Provision of a cafeteria facility.
- Provision of an area attendant/information office.
- Beautification of the mound viewpoint and exposure of the underlying Harding's Battery.
- New paving and street furniture throughout.
- Introduction of indigenous landscaping.

This revised scheme for Europa Point includes the construction of a new restaurant facility with iconic architecture and panoramic views. The Government will shortly be putting this aspect of the scheme out to tender, which will invite private sector investment in the building and operation of the facilities.

The works are to be carried out with particular consideration for the historic sensitivity of the area. Materials, finishes and landscaping have been selected bearing in mind the weather conditions Europa Point sometime has to endure.

The Government is confident this project will give a new lease of life and make valuable use of such a significant and historic area. It is estimated the project will take approximately 15 months to complete.

"We have given much consideration to the scheme for Europa Point and in doing so have looked at all the options available for maximising the use of the area. The project the Government has decided on, is the one that will provide the best combination of leisure and tourist facilities. It will give a new lease of life to a frequently-visited area."

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