The Development and Planning Commission (DPC) has granted full planning permission for Gibraltar’s Eastside development, following a final assessment of the project’s coastal protection measures.
A majority of DPC members confirmed their satisfaction with the breakwater’s southernmost extent, a main element of the coastal protection strategy.
Set to revitalise Gibraltar’s eastern corridor, the Eastside project envisions residential areas, leisure spaces, hospitality venues, a marina, and other public amenities. The development aims to balance modern urban design with sustainable coastal planning. The initiative will also clear a rubble tip that has occupied the site for over 25 years.
Partnership behind Eastside project
The project was formalised in 2021 through an agreement between Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar (HMGoG) and developer TNG Global. The government estimates the project will generate around £330 million in total community value, including a £90 million cash premium to HMGoG.
Among its commitments, TNG Global will construct 100 low-cost homes to the same standard as the Hassan Centenary Terraces. The marina will also feature berths for small vessels, prioritised for individuals currently on the Port Authority’s berth waiting list.
Key Features of the Eastside Development
Designed with spatial layering and community needs in mind, the development includes residential, commercial, recreational, and cultural highlights. A mix of public spaces and infrastructure will serve both locals and visitors.
The project’s features include:
- Residential housing: Over 1,300 residential units, including apartments, maisonettes and duplex townhouses, are spread across the site with a focus on low-rise residential accommodation.
- Commercial: Office space, retail areas, and dining venues designed to support a vibrant mixed-use community.
- Hotel: A six-storey hotel with around 200 rooms and serviced residences located on the Southern arm of the marina.
- Marina/Berth: Designed for superyachts and other vessels, the marina will be divided into distinct zones to accommodate different user needs.
- Promenade: Hospitality facilities, a yacht club, retail shops, a high street and 500 underground public parking spaces to serve Catalan Bay visitors.
In addition, the North Arm will feature a maritime museum and children's play area, celebrating Gibraltar’s seafaring history through interactive public installations.
Community’s environmental concerns
In 2022, Catalan Bay residents raised objections to the marina portion of the Eastside project, citing environmental and cultural preservation concerns. Protest signs were seen around the village.
HMGoG acknowledged the protest and assured the public that the views of Catalan Bay residents would be taken into account by the DPC. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said that he had made it clear to Parliament that he would not allow any development that damages Catalan Bay or its surrounding areas.
Picardo also stated: "We will, of course, listen to the voice of Catalan Bay residents, and their representations will, of course, be taken into account by the Development and Planning Commission (DPC) when making its decision on the full planning application for the marina aspect of the development. The marina has not yet got the full requisite planning permission and still has to go through the detailed planning application in a manner that will create confidence in the people of Catalan Bay and Gibraltar that the concerns being expressed will be dealt with properly.”
Permission granted
With full planning permission now granted, the Eastside development is poised to begin a new chapter in Gibraltar’s urban landscape.
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