Site for American University pre-selected, alternatives to be discussed in EIA

MEPA: American University site “deemed acceptable” after preliminary assessment

Signing of the heads of agreement for the new American University. Photo: Ray Attard
Signing of the heads of agreement for the new American University. Photo: Ray Attard

There is as yet no application for a new university campus in the south of the island, for the American University of Malta to be developed by Jordanian investors.

A spokesperson for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said that a preliminary site assessment had been carried out, with “the proposed site deemed as an acceptable site.”

A full site selection exercise will be carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment after a project description statement is submitted for MEPA’s evaluation. “Discussions have been ongoing between the government, the authority and the Sadeen Group,” the spokesperson said.

The government and Jordanians Sadeen yesterday signed a heads of agreement for the setting up of the American University of Malta. The agreement was signed at Castille by Economic Services Minister Chris Cardona and Hani Saleh, who has teamed up with DePaul University of Chicago for the project.

Land near Marsascala in the area known as Zonqor Point has been earmarked for the €115 million campus for 4,000 students. The land near the old national pool at Marsascala will be upgraded as part of the project.

The government is also proposing a 450-tumoli national natural park in Marsascala, which will include the foreshore and the area adjacent to the zone earmarked for the AUM.