Sports council objects to development on former national pool
James Debono
The National Sports Council has officially presented an objection to the Malta Planning and Environment Authority (MEPA) against an application to redevelop the former national pool in Marsaskala as a residential and hotel complex.
The site was designated by parliament in 2005 for use as a sports complex only, a government spokesperson said of the site earmarked for the construction of a hotel and residential units that will compliment a yacht marina in Marsaskala.
The spokesperson said the pool was handed over to the Marsaskala Sports Club for exclusive use as a “sports complex”.
But the sports club and Italian engineering company Teseco have earmarked the site for property development.
The government spokesperson said the “the objective of this transfer was that the property is to be used as a sports complex” when asked whether the lease allows residential and commercial development.
According to the spokesperson it is now up to the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isports (KMS) to ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of the agreements, the spokesperson said.
Bernard Vassallo, chairman of the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, told MaltaToday that the lease agreement states that the facility is to be used for sport activity only. This may also include administrative offices, gymnasiums, sport clinics and other similar facilities only.
A bar or catering facility is allowed, as long as the principal nature of the facility remains exclusively for sport. “Any requests for development, above from the mentioned above, has to be approved through parliament on recommendation of KMS… the conditions stipulated in the lease agreement have been approved by the House of Representatives. It is not in the council’s remit to change these conditions,” Vassallo said.
The Marsaskala Sports Club pays an annual rent of €3,494.06 for the use of the facility. The rent increases by 10% every five years.
Silvio Scerri, a former president of the sports club, claimed the proposed residence will attract sports tourism and serve as accommodation for sportsmen recovering from injuries. He also said Teseco will use renewable energy to heat the former national pool in winter.
Although the pool was leased to the club for use as a sports complex, the area’s local plan foresees residential and commercial development, on condition that 20-30% of the site is dedicated to sporting and recreational facilities.
The developers have said the local council is fully informed of the plans for the new yacht marina, but so far the councillors have denied knowing anything of the project.
Independent councillor Josie Muscat has declared his support for a yacht marina project, as long as the swimming area near the waterpolo pitch is left untouched.
The developers are proposing a swimming zone between the national pool and Zonqor point, which will not be affected by the marina.
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