Authorities must act on illegal works at Manoel Island within Valletta’s UNESCO heritage buffer zone

Gżira United Football Club has now confirmed it is behind the construction of the padel courts at Nicholl Ground on Manoel Island.

While the club argues that the facilities are located within land leased to it by the government, it has failed to show any planning permit for the ongoing works. Carrying out development without a permit is illegal and should immediately trigger enforcement action by the Planning Authority. The fact that works appear to be progressing openly and rapidly without intervention raises serious questions about the consistent application of planning rules.

Dr Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said, “This situation is very serious, given the sensitive location of the site. Manoel Island falls within the proposed buffer zone that protects the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta.”

UNESCO has recently warned that development around Valletta is placing pressure on the city’s World Heritage status. The UNESCO buffer zones exist to safeguard the setting of heritage sites, including their skyline, views and wider visual landscape. Protecting Valletta’s heritage status means ensuring that development in surrounding areas is carefully assessed for its visual, environmental and cultural impact.”, Agius said.

Previous planning decisions have already recognised these risks. In March 2024, the Planning Authority deferred a decision on new apartment blocks on Manoel Island due to concerns that the development could undermine Valletta’s heritage buffer zone and exceed what had been approved in the island’s master plan.

Against this background, it is unacceptable that new construction appears to be proceeding without the most basic requirement of a planning permit.

Momentum emphasises that this issue is not about opposing sport or community facilities. Sports infrastructure is important and should be encouraged. However, all development must comply with the law and undergo the necessary planning, environmental, social, and heritage assessments.

The authorities must therefore clarify immediately:

• whether a planning permit exists for the padel courts
• whether enforcement action has been initiated
• whether the development is consistent with planning policies protecting Valletta’s heritage setting

Allowing illegal development to proceed in such a sensitive location would set a dangerous precedent and undermine public trust in the planning system. Malta’s heritage, especially that of Valletta, is of international importance. The authorities have a responsibility to protect it.

The attached map shows the buffer zone outlined in purple as proposed in a December 2023 management plan for Valletta to retain its UNESCO World Heritage status. The area also includes Manoel Island.

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