PA halts illegal works on Manoel Island padel courts
Land is part of concession to Gżira United FC, Prime Minister says
The Planning Authority has halted the construction of padel courts by Gżira United Football Club on the site of its Manoel Island pitch, following a report by activists.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Robert Abela said work on the courts, first flagged by Momentum, had been halted.
The PA confirmed with Times of Malta that enforcement officers visited the site on Thursday and ordered the works to stop.
On Wednesday, the PA had said it was investigating the report by the Manoel Island – Post Ghalina campaign, which has successfully lobbied for the island to become a public park. When Times of Malta visited the site that afternoon, the courts appeared to be near completion.
The padel courts appeared to be near completion when Times of Malta visited the site on Wednesday. Photo: Matthew MirabelliThe padel courts are the subject of planning application PA/07995/25, submitted by Gżira FC president Sharlon Pace. The application is still in the screening phase - the initial phase of the planning process when the PA assesses an application.
Abela on Thursday said the site in question was part of a concession to the football club, but added that works must proceed according to the law.
“I hope a solution is found, not just with regard to this specific issue but the wider issue of what we are going to do with the land pertaining to the football club and ensuring that sports facilities are not removed,” Abela said.
Gżira United FC had previously denied any wrongdoing.
The project, it insisted on Monday, related specifically to sports facilities within a defined area of government land leased to the club, and should be understood separately from broader proposals concerning other parts of Manoel Island.
"These facilities are being developed to enhance the club's sporting offerings, encourage greater community participation in sports, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the club," a club spokesperson said.
However, the club did not reply to questions about whether it had planning permission to carry out the works.