The Government will submit a proposal to Parliament for land in Pembroke to be given for sports purposes as well as a new and greater use by the community.
During a meeting for members and supporters of Valletta FC, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that this project will greatly benefit, among others, the Belti club which, after decades without facilities, will now have the land from which to operate and move forward. This land in Pembroke, which in the local plan is scheduled for the construction of offices and private residences, has a market value of between 75 and 100 million euros.
With a strong economy that allows such a decision, the Government has made the conscious choice to, instead of a development that generates more finance, go for a sports project that promotes healthy living and the involvement of children and young people in physical activity. The designs that have been drafted testify to the plan for Valletta FC to have a full-size pitch, another 5-a-side pitch, as well as facilities for the club’s administration and academy.
The concept is built on the development of a sports campus and a hub for football training. Another part of this land will be given so that the Swieqi United club will also have its new pitch, as well as to become the first facility dedicated specifically to futsal in our country. For the Pembroke community, an investment will be made on an open space of more than 4,500 square meters between the sports facilities and residences, to be enjoyed by the families of the area. Necessary parking will also be ensured.
The Prime Minister said that the Government’s word to the Valletta club will be kept and that now this dream is being delivered with the announcement of the project and eventually with the implementation that must be carried out at a strong pace. “This project is a confirmation of the trust we have in sporting activity and the importance we are giving to sport in our country,” concluded Dr Abela.
Minister for Sports Clifton Grima said that the Lands Authority is now going through the process for the land in Pembroke to be officially transferred to Sport Malta, so that the proposal can then be approved by Parliament and the contract can be signed so that the Valletta club can have its sports home. Valletta FC President Claudio Grech thanked the Government for this day that will remain recorded in the club’s history for many years to come. He said that this is not just the first step to being given a piece of land, but an important step to ensuring a strong future for the Valletta club and for the younger generations who will learn football and become better members of society.
Photos: OPM_DOI
