Businesses will be invited to come up with innovative ideas and attractions as part of a drive to improve the family park in Marsascala.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat yesterday announced that a call for expressions of interest will be issued on March 30.

While park entry will remain free, some new facilities may be offered at a cost.

Proposals will be limited to a number of zones or specific areas of the park opened in February last year.

These are the rock climbing area, food and drink facilities, the agri-centre, the chapel surroundings, the animal area, the amphitheatre and the zone reserved for open air activities.

The minister said that proposals for sports facilities would also be considered, possibly a football pitch that could be used by Marsascala FC.

Revenue generated from these areas would go directly to the upkeep of the park, which will remain under the direct responsibility of the government.

Mr Brincat said that further information, including the deadline for expressions of interest, would be given at a later stage. The proposals will be evaluated by a board appointed by his ministry.

Last summer the park was mired in political controversy after the government decided to close it for more than two months.

At the time the government said it was no longer safe in terms of air quality due to the risks posed by faulty equipment at the adjacent waste recycling plant.

It had also argued that some areas of the park did not satisfy minimum health and safety requirements. The Opposition, however, accused the government of taking revenge, as the park was inaugurated by the previous administration a month before the Labour Party’s election victory in March.

Touching on this controversy, the Mr Brincat yesterday said this call contradicted the Opposition’s claims, as the government was keen to revamp the park.