Momentum proposes Marsa alternative for Valletta F.C. stadium and protection of Pembroke natural land
Momentum believes that Malta can support sporting development while also protecting its remaining natural open spaces.
If elected to Parliament, a Momentum MP would present one of its first parliamentary motions calling for the former Marsa power station site to be granted in concession to Valletta F.C. for the development of a new football ground and related facilities.
At the same time, Momentum would also table a motion seeking the extension of the existing Natura 2000 protected area in Pembroke to include the nearby undeveloped public land currently being targeted for development.
Momentum strongly opposes the plans supported by both the PL and the PN to develop a stadium on natural land in Pembroke, directly adjacent to a protected Natura 2000 site. The proposed project risks causing irreversible environmental damage through increased traffic, parking pressure, trampling, noise and especially light pollution affecting the surrounding protected habitats and biodiversity.
Momentum also warned that large-scale stadium projects rarely consist solely of sports facilities. Experience shows that such developments are often accompanied by extensive commercial activity, including retail outlets, entertainment venues, parking infrastructure and increased traffic generation. This would place further pressure on Pembroke residents, who already face significant congestion, overdevelopment and loss of quality of life.
Residents deserve transparency about the full scale of the project and its long-term consequences. The cumulative impact of commercialisation, noise, traffic and intensified urbanisation would fundamentally alter the character of the area and place additional strain on surrounding communities and infrastructure.
Momentum insists that several important questions must be answered transparently before any development proceeds:
- Has a full Environmental Impact Assessment been conducted and published?
- What impacts would the proposed development have on the adjacent Natura 2000 site?
- Has the area been properly surveyed for protected habitats and species?
- Has the European Commission been notified in line with Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive?
- Will all environmental studies and biodiversity mapping be made publicly accessible?
Momentum calls for full transparency and for the publication of all studies related to the site.
The party emphasised that it is not opposed to Valletta F.C. having a modern stadium. On the contrary, Momentum believes that the club deserves high-quality facilities. However, this should not come at the expense of destroying one of the few remaining natural open spaces in Malta when viable alternatives, such as the former Marsa power station site, already exist.
Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola stated:
“Malta does not have to choose between sport and the environment. We can have modern sporting infrastructure while still safeguarding the little natural land we have left. The Marsa site offers a sensible solution that respects both community needs and environmental responsibility. Future generations deserve leaders who protect what remains of Malta’s natural heritage rather than sacrificing it for short-term political convenience.”
There is hope, you can help!
Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!
