Paola band club saved from eviction after state intervention
Culture ministry says club's continued operation is in the interest of Maltese traditions
The government has stepped in to prevent Paola's Għaqda Soċjali Mużikali Kristu Sultan band club from imminent eviction after reaching an agreement with the emphyteutical owners of the building.
At a press conference on Friday, the club announced it had entered into a preliminary agreement through which all the rights of the emphyteuta will be transferred to the Culture Ministry, safeguarding the club’s premises and allowing it to continue operating.
The club had been facing serious eviction risks due to legal issues related to its existing lease. The intervention, the ministry said, provides peace of mind that the band club can continue operating "in the interest of Maltese traditions and culture".
It is the 15th club that the government has intervened to protect from eviction during the current legislature.
Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said the government had acted with commitment and determination to save the clubs, including Kristu Sultan, because of the important role they play in communities across Malta.
“Our country must continue investing in its beautiful traditions and culture if we want to live in a better and more beautiful Malta,” he said.
Bonnici noted that efforts to safeguard band clubs at risk of eviction remain a priority, particularly following the recognition of the Maltese festa as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
He said the agreement demonstrates the government’s commitment to reaching solutions that act fairly towards both the emphyteutical owners and the band club itself.
Once the final deed is signed, the property will be added to a portfolio of band club premises managed by a dedicated section within Arts Council Malta. The respective clubs then enter into a lease agreement with the council.
The total investment in the Paola premises will amount to €1,000,050. The final contract is expected to be signed within two years, consolidating full title of the building in favour of the government.
In total, the ministry has so far invested €30 million to acquire full rights over 14 other band club properties in Ħamrun, Marsa, Attard, Kalkara, Birkirkara, Paola, Sliema, Birżebbuġa, Qormi, Mosta, Lija, Żebbuġ, Valletta and Marsaxlokk.
Also present for the press conference were Clayton Cascun, president of the Kristu Sultan band club, members of the club’s committee, Paola mayor Jason Silvio and members of the Paola local council.