MARSA SPORTS GROUNDS - PARTIAL REVIEW OF LOCAL PLANS

16/11/2009

The following extract has been taken from the MEPA website http://www.mepa.org.mt/info-pc-msg-phase1.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) gives notice that it intends to formulate a partial review of the Grand Harbour Local Plan (2002) and the South Malta Local Plan (2006) to take into account Government’s plans to consolidate and rationalize sports facilities in the Maltese Islands, with particular focus on the Marsa Sports Centre, the Horse Racing track and their environs.

The objectives of the review are:
· To extend and upgrade the horseracing track to accommodate international flat and trotter races with additional international standard equestrian facilities such as show jumping and dressage. Investment in supporting parking facilities and improved public access are also contemplated ;
· To upgrade all the existing sports facilities (including polo, rugby, football, baseball, softball etc.) and add new facilities such as indoor archery and the identification of a new pitch for cricket;
· To extend the golf course towards the site currently occupied by the Government farm at Ghammieri in order to promote the international dimension of this sport whilst rendering it more accessible to a wider spectrum of Maltese society;
· To consider limited, high quality commercial and tourism development which integrates with the site context in order to sustain the economic viability of the sports facilities. This development should not compromise the predominantly open space character of the Marsa Sports Complex, should be of high quality and should integrate with the existing environment rather than dominate it;
· To facilitate access in general. To give particular attention to vehicular circulation and parking plans for the area in consultation with ADT with some emphasis on the stretch of road WA19 to EA21 part of the TEN-T network. In such cases, third party interests should not be prejudiced;
· To improve public access and informal recreational areas, especially in areas which are currently underutilised. The new facilities could include bicycle, walking and jogging lanes;
· The development surrounding the Marsa Sports Complex, as shown in the annexed MAP A, should be of high quality. It is not excluded that the evolution of the project might take into consideration land immediately contiguous to the boundary of the site as indicated in MAP A

The Authority will carry out a second, 6 week period of consultation when it publish its proposed policies for the area.

Individuals and organizations are invited to send preliminary submissions related to these objectives.

Representations are to be made in writing to the:

Director of Planning
Review of the Grand Harbour Local Plan (Marsa) and the South Malta Local Plan (Luqa)
Plan Making and Policy Development Unit
P.O. Box 200,
Marsa GPO 01

Submissions should reach the Authority by 24th November 2009.