WATCH | Lands minister not committed to opposing Manoel Island padel courts

Lands Minister Owen Bonnici has not committed to opposing further development of the illegally-constructed padel courts on Manoel Island.

In March, a number of activist groups called on the authorities to act after the Manoel Island: Post Għalina campaign said that a number of padel courts were being built on Manoel Island without the required permits normally issued by the Lands Authority, but no action has been taken so far.

The only publicly known planning application mentioning padel courts on Manoel Island was submitted by MIDI in 2023, but was not approved. 

"We want this land to be an open space for families to enjoy, and we want the community in Gżira to be a part of that," Bonnici told MaltaToday.

"Sport is a good thing," he added, "But these things are studied on a case-by-case basis."

Bonnici insisted that any development taking place on Manoel Island must have permission from the Lands Authority.

Sharlon Pace, President and financier of the Gżira United Football Club (FC), recently filed a planning application seeking the retrospective approval of the courts, along with the development of a large-scale padel facility on Manoel Island. 

The Planning Authority has opened a consultation period for public objections until early May. However, the courts are already being promoted online and marketed as Malta’s largest padel complex.

Gżira United Football Club later admitted their responsibility for the illegal padel courts, saying that the facilities are being developed to enhance the club’s sporting offerings, encourage greater community participation in sports, and ensure their long-term financial sustainability.