Gibraltar has announced plans for a major refurbishment of its land border with Spain. The government has released artist impressions of the project, which will not only benefit daily commercial pedestrian and vehicular traffic but also facilitate improved access for tourists taking day excursions or longer trips into Spain.
According to a news release from the government, the refurbishment had been delayed pending the negotiation of a treaty with the European Union. “This is because of the plans to install a battery of automatic border control gates on the Gibraltar side, in addition to the manual checks, in order to allow for a more fluid access of persons in the event of a ‘No Negotiated Outcome’ to the treaty.”
The use of these e-gates – the proposal already has planning permission – will allow more people to be processed at the same time.
The government said the intention is to submit the proposed refurbishment of the pedestrian arrivals hall and the external areas for vehicles to the Development and Planning Commission, as it would “make sense to carry out the two projects at the same time, in the event that the e-gates become necessary”.
Minister for tourism Vijay Daryanani, who is responsible for visitor entry points, said the proposed refurbishment of the land access points would “dramatically improve the experience for the many millions of people who come through the border on an annual basis”.
Earlier this year the government inaugurated a new tunnel under the airport runway.
New Cruise Liner Terminal
The government has also announced plans for a new cruise liner terminal in Gibraltar.
Replacing the current terminal, the new state-of-the-art facility will extend over 3,817 square metres and comprise two floors and a roof top, with “sustainability aspects also being worked on”. The ground floor will be the main passenger area, while the first floor will be available for events and conferences, and the possibility of shopping units.
Announcing details of the project, tourism minister Daryanani said, “The present terminal is looking tired and this magnificent facility will be something Gibraltar will be proud of. It has been a long process and a lot of time and effort has gone into this project. Gibraltar has the potential to become the most important cruise destination in the western Mediterranean. The competition is immense and we have to improve and strive to be the best.
“This new facility will provide a luxurious passenger experience, in a world class environment, including improvements in the surrounding area. Gibraltar is highly respected in the cruise industry but I want more. I want us to set a benchmark of high standards and I am sure with more hard work we can achieve this. This is not an easy job and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. The government is committed to the cruising industry and to helping Main Street trade. This project is the start of our ambitious vision for cruising for the next 25 years.”
Gibraltar National Day
Meanwhile, Gibraltar will celebrate its annual National Day on Sunday 10 September.
In her official National Day Message (released today), the mayor, Carmen Gomez, said, “This week we are celebrating our identity as a people, culminating in National Day, the most important day in our annual calendar of events.
“Everything we have endured in our history has forged our identity, and we must remain united in our resolve. Let us fly our colours with pride and never take for granted all we have achieved and how blessed we are.
“As the mayor, and therefore the civic representative of all Gibraltarians and residents of this community, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you a very Happy National Day, whichever way you choose to join in the celebrations, for so many different events have been organised for you and your families to enjoy.
“On this note I would like to express my thanks to all the organisers to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. This is a day for all of us to come together as one, a day also to be thankful for living in such a beautiful place which we can truly call our home.”