Momentum raises concerns over “National Padel Park” works on Manoel Island

Momentum notes yesterday’s statement by the Prime Minister that negotiations between the Government and MIDI on the future of Manoel Island are nearing their conclusion, with the site expected to be returned to the public and transformed into a national park.

If this is indeed the Government’s intention, the public deserves clarity on why works are currently progressing rapidly to build what can be described as a “National Padel Park” on the site of the old Gżira football grounds.

Footage shows that several padel courts are currently being constructed on Manoel Island, even as discussions about the island’s future are ongoing, and the public has been led to believe the site will become a large public green space.

Dr Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said: “The old Gżira football grounds formed part of the wider MIDI development plans for Manoel Island, which included residential development. Now that the Government has its intention to take over the project and transform the island into a national park, it is reasonable to expect that this area would form part of the open green space promised to the public. Instead, the site appears to be rapidly transformed into a new commercial sports facility.”

Momentum believes several questions must be answered:

• Who authorised the construction of these padel courts?
• Do these works have a valid planning permit?
• Is the Government endorsing the commercialisation of land that it is simultaneously promising will become a national park?
• How does the construction of new sports facilities fit into the vision of Manoel Island as a public green lung for the densely populated harbour area?
• Have the environmental and planning impacts, including light pollution, noise, and increased traffic related to the commercial activity, been properly assessed?

Manoel Island represents one of the last opportunities to create a large open green space in one of the most densely built parts of Malta. Decisions taken today will shape the site for generations.

Momentum reminds the Prime Minister not to disregard the 29,000 people who signed the petition and the numerous NGOs calling for the Government to take over the island from private interests. Momentum therefore calls on the Government to immediately clarify the status of these works and to ensure that any plans for Manoel Island are consistent with the commitment made to the public: that the island will be transformed into a genuine national park, not gradually fragmented into commercial projects.

 

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