Entrance to Marsascala family park to remain free

An expression of interest will be published by government on 30 March for any parties interested in setting up commercial facilities or services at the Marsascala Family Park.

Details of the agreement will be included in the tender, environment minister Leo Brincat said, adding that the closing date for the EOI has yet to be announced.

Addressing a press conference at the park, Brincat, gave reassurances that the entrance into the park will remain free of charge, however he said that the "strategic" move should serve to create more opportunities for both families who visit the park and commercial groups.

"The aim is to encourage these commercial groups to come up with creative and innovative ideas," he said, while stressing that the main aim was to widen the range of services offered by the park.

Among the areas in question are the agri-centre, the amphitheater, a farmland section, a rock-climbing area and areas designated for restaurants and tea-rooms.

"These are all areas yet to be developed and they could be developed with ideas we ourselves haven't even thought of as yet," he said, adding that plans to extend the sports facilities in the area were also being considered.

Brincat said that the responsibility of the park will remain that of government and that profits made will be re-invested into the park.

"Entrance and access to all areas will remain free but it is our goal to make the park self-sustainable," he said.

Applications for the Expression of Interest will be available as of 30 March from the new offices of the permanent secretary in Triq Hal Qormi in Santa Venera.