16 - 22 November 2000

Bay Street – more than just another complex

by David Kelleher

Working nearly around the clock, hundreds of workers are putting the final touches to the Bay Street complex in St George’s Bay, to create a unique environment that will offer something for everyone.
While passersby may be somewhat sceptical that the complex will be finished in time for its opening on Saturday 25 November, Chris Grech, the brainchild behind the project, is more than confident that everything will be ready.
“We are on schedule,” Mr Grech told The Malta Business Weekly, as dozens of workers milled around the complex. “Although Bay Street may seem far from completed, we are on schedule and the place will be ready for its official opening,” he added.
Bay Street brings together a mixture of both leisure, education, retail and culture, four ingredients that Mr Grech believes will result in a successful venture.
“Over the past few years, developers have realised that success depends on having both leisure activities and retail outlets within the same complex. However, we felt that another two ingredients were necessary. If you go to similar complexes abroad, there is something missing. There is a lack of culture, and the complex is not sensitive to those who go there. At Bay Street, we have created something that is typically Maltese in the form of the artisan centre,” Mr Grech explained.
With regards to the educational aspect, he said that edutainment – that is providing entertainment that is also educational – was very important.
“The complex is geared towards the whole family and not young people. The programme of activities is extensive. Bay Street will provide parents with another alternative to going out for picnics or a drive in the countryside. Here, their children will be able to spend hours having fun yet at the same time learn something. That is why we have set up the discovery centre,” Mr Grech added.
Mr Grech emphasised that the concept of not having a ‘front’ door is very important. “When we open Saturday week, we want everyone to come and enjoy the Bay Street experience. That is why no personalities will be ‘offically opening’ the complex. Instead children will be doing the honours for us,” he said.
Asked whether the ‘no front door’ concept could create problems on the opening day, due to the number of people expected to visit Bay Street, Mr Grech said that they will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Turning to security, Mr Grech added that the security personnel have been in training for the past year and “they are prepared to handle all eventualities” even before the arise.
“Our people are trained to act quickly and, if possible, without people realising that something is wrong. They are not just big boys in dark spectacles and lots of muscle. They are trained mentally to diffuse potential trouble and not aggravate it,” Mr Grech said.
Mr Grech said the programme of activities would be constantly changing and that will encourage more and more people to attend. Even during the day, the activities being organised are aimed at attracting tourists and other groups of visitors such as schoolchildren.
There is also a lot of synergy between Bay Street and the other complexes in the area, such as the cinemas and the new Eden development.
“We want to create a strong destination. We do not have cinemas because that area is adequately serviced by other investors. We have to work together where possible and not just compete. If you are out to compete you are putting at risk your business and someone else’s,” Mr Grech said.
And the parking problem: how is that being tackled?
Mr Grech said that following meetings with the Pembroke Local Council, they were nearing an agreement to use the former Parade Ground in Pemroke as a parking area.
“We hope to finalise matters with the council this week. Our idea is to offer a shuttle service from the parking area down to Bay Street. Thus, we will be alleviating the parking problem in the area,” he said.
On a parting note, Mr Grech summed up the philosophy behind the Bay Street project.
“We have made sure that throughout the plan, we kept in mind that if you do not have the perfect mix – affordable food and beverage, entertainment for all the family and edutainment – there is little hope for success.”