Marsaxlokk Local Council opposes multi-storey building proposal in PL manifesto

The Labour Party-led Marsaxlokk Local Council has come out against a proposal in the PL’s manifesto, calling it an “eyesore.”

The local council was referring to the 58th proposal in the 19th chapter of the manifesto, which proposes an aquaculture and fisheries research centre in the locality.

The local council explained that last November, the CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) presented a proposal for the multi-storey building. They noted that the site in question is already subject to a 2007 planning permit belonging to the local council.

They had applied to build a public garden and a jogging track on the site.

The local council said that it is unanimously opposed to the proposed development, and stressed that the land in question must remain an open green space for public use rather than being surrendered to building projects. 

They insisted that the residents of the Port Ruman area need sports facilities and recreational zones, as the council argues that placing a hatchery in such close proximity to homes is inappropriate.

The council also noted a lack of serious and open consultation with the affected residents before this proposal was introduced. Beyond the loss of green space, the council warns that the scale of the proposed building would create a permanent visual eyesore in the community.

As an alternative, the council suggested integrating the ARM facility into the Siċċa project which was announced in 2022.

The local council said that it is also monitoring chapter 17, proposals 48 and 50 of the manifesto, which involve the regeneration of the Grand Harbour and industrial changes in Marsa. 

They requested clarification regarding the future of current industrial operations in Marsa and how these changes might impact Marsaxlokk, making it clear that they are against any transfer of industrial services that could prove detrimental to Marsaxlokk.