Marsa golf course extension proposed for Ghammieri
James Debono
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) is proposing an extension of the Marsa golf course towards the site currently occupied by the government farm at Ghammieri, in changes proposed for the local plan.
MEPA is also proposing commercial and tourism development “to sustain the economic viability” of the sports facilities in Marsa, adding that this development should not compromise the predominantly ‘open space’ character of the Marsa sports complex.
Rural Affairs minister George Pullicino refused to comment on whether Ghammieri will be closed or relocated. He told MaltaToday the centre’s management and resources were being reorganised from a strategy based on agricultural production, to research. “For the next year we have earmarked a number of research projects to be carried out in the centre,” the minister told MaltaToday.
The planning authority had considered an extension of the Marsa golf course back in 2004, but it was concluded that such a space would intrude on the space used for existing sports facilities. In a pre-Budget submission, Pullicino said the rugby ground would not be compromised by the extension of the golf course “if the Ghammieri land is used for this purpose”.
A map presented with the proposed revision of the local plan shows the golf course extended on agricultural land within the Ghammieri experimental farm, although the built-up areas of Ghammieri are not included.
The extension also covers a stretch of the present road linking Marsa to Luqa, which passes in front of the St Vincent de Paule Hospital. MEPA is not excluding the possibility “that the evolution of the project might take into consideration more land around the earmarked area.”
The MEPA proposal vindicates claims made by Labour MP Joe Sammut last year, that the Ghammieri centre – which he described as the “cradle of Maltese agriculture” – was being dismantled amidst rumours that it was going to make way for the golf course.
He had also asked the minister to confirm whether it was true that part of the Ghammieri site was earmarked for the development of a hotel.
In July, sister newspaper Illum revealed that the government intended to sell parts of the centre to the private sector to develop agro-tourism.
The Ghammieri complex provides laboratory and advisory services to the farming community. In 2007 a number of endemic Maltese farm animals were taken to Gharmieri to ensure the conservation of the species. For the past years it was open to schoolchildren, who could have a direct experience of animal husbandry and farming.
The MEPA proposals also include an upgrade all the existing sports facilities including polo, rugby, football, baseball, and softball and the development of new facilities such as indoor archery as well as a new pitch for cricket. MEPA is inviting the public to send comments on its proposals by 24 November.
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