East Rock Marine Village

Gibraltar, British Virgin Islands

The main aim of the project was to create the framework for a genuine Gibraltar community incorporating the Catalan Bay precinct to the south and Eastern Beach precinct to the north. The resulting proposed conurbation is a mixed-use marina village with land use for diverse demographics including accommodation, commerce, retail, aquatic activity, human well-being, and a vibrant waterfront lifestyle. The egalitarian proposal has been designed for visitors, part time and full time Gibraltarians from all walks of life.

The challenge is to strike a balance between density and activity with recreational open space.. a commodity that is very scarce in Gibraltar.

Geographically, Gibraltar is a peninsula on the south-east coast of the Hispanic land mass. It is controlled by the British Government. Historically, most development has occurred on the West-side of the peninsula.  Strategically, Gibraltar sits at the marine gateway between Morocco and Spain where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is typically Mediterranean.

The site is subject to the main ‘on shore’ wind known as the Levante. ‘The Rock’ protects the site from the western wind known as the ‘Ponente’. Gibraltar, has a deep history, and is known for its iconic rock.

The EOI site, like many in Gibraltar, is a reclaimed, flat parcel of land at the base of ‘The Rock’. It abuts, and has direct access to the western part of the Mediterranean Sea.

Project Details:

Program: Master Planning, Urban Design

Design Team: John Mainwaring, Garth Hollindale, Garth Hollindale, Tom Kanchansinith