[WATCH] This is how a motorsport race track at Hal Far could look
An architectural firm has put forward a race track proposal that does not take up ODZ land and satisfies international motorsport standards
A race track proposal for the Hal Far industrial estate that satisfies international motorsport standards has been put forward by an architectural firm.
This is the first time that motorsport enthusiasts have been presented with a concrete proposal on an identified stretch of land for the construction of a race track.
Periti Studio designed the track in consultation with the Malta Motorsport Federation and the proposal has been put to the government.
The track does not take up ODZ land and is situated within the confines of the Hal Far industrial estate, apart from a 1km extension to the track that would use existing roads.
Tonio Cini, who heads the Motorsport Federation, said the proposal is a first because the architects took on board international standards and confined the development within committed land.
Cini said a first proposal was presented to the government last January but a second version had to be drawn up because of the construction of a factory on the edge of the site.
“The architects re-designed the track and its facilities to take note of the latest development,” Cini said.
He explained that the proposal included a permanent 2km race track that could be extended to 3km for international events by using existing roads at the entrance of the Hal Far industrial estate.
“The industrial estate will still be accessible from either side when the full track is used but the Hal Far road next to the AFM barracks can also be widened to allow traffic to pass,” Cini said, adding the track would not take up ODZ land.
The proposal includes a road safety facility, a karting track and a 1km criterium track for use by cycling competitors as a training facility. The track lies adjacent to the existing drag racing track, which will not be touched.
Cini said the proposal would cover some 17 hectares of land.
The federation is not tying itself to one proposal but set down with Periti Studio after the architects came up with a concept design last November, which did not satisfy international standards.
“These architects, out of their own volition approached us and understood the necessary requirements to have a track of international standards. They then came up with this design on an identified stretch of land,” Cini said.
He insisted that a race track was another means of attracting quality, high-spending tourism, apart from satisfying the long-held wishes of Maltese motorsport enthusiasts.
“I hope the government has the will to get the ball rolling… it should set up a working group to make this a reality as was promised in the electoral programme,” Cini said.
Sports Parliamentary Secretary Clifton Grima earlier this year reiterated government’s commitment to have a motorsport racing track but no developments have been registered so far.
Motorsport enthusiasts will be organising a rally on Sunday to press home their cause in favour of racing track.