Petition No.: 59 Signatures: 6796 Sign Petition
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - )
Details - Online
Title
Manoel Island: A Place For Us
Date
21-03-2025
Date petition closes for signatures
25-05-2025
Creator of petition
ROBERT LOUIS FENECH
Grievance
We dare to have a dream.
A dream of a unique park in the heart of Malta’s most densely populated urban area. A tree-lined haven in the middle of the sea, in the shade of the Knights’ legacy, facing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta.
A dream where parents play with their children on the grass, while youths swim against the world's most breath-taking backdrop. A heart-shaped destination for young couples and retirees alike, where the scents and sounds of the Mediterranean breathe new life into tired limbs.
A dream that Manoel Island can really be A Place For Us.
Facts:
1. Manoel Island is the green lung of the North Harbour area, home to around 150,000 residents and countless workers.
2. In 2000, Parliament unanimously voted to transfer Manoel Island to private hands for the development of luxury apartments and commercial spaces.
3. Although the contract runs til 2099, the lessee must 'substantially' complete both the Tigne and Manoel Island phases by 2026.
4. If the works are not completed by March 2026, the contract permits the Government to reclaim the entire concession.
5. The lessee and the Government are currently negotiating an extension of the completion date.
2025 presents a historic opportunity for Malta. This contract will never again be up for renegotiation. Not in our lifetimes. Not beyond.
This is our one chance to change course.
A dream of a unique park in the heart of Malta’s most densely populated urban area. A tree-lined haven in the middle of the sea, in the shade of the Knights’ legacy, facing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta.
A dream where parents play with their children on the grass, while youths swim against the world's most breath-taking backdrop. A heart-shaped destination for young couples and retirees alike, where the scents and sounds of the Mediterranean breathe new life into tired limbs.
A dream that Manoel Island can really be A Place For Us.
Facts:
1. Manoel Island is the green lung of the North Harbour area, home to around 150,000 residents and countless workers.
2. In 2000, Parliament unanimously voted to transfer Manoel Island to private hands for the development of luxury apartments and commercial spaces.
3. Although the contract runs til 2099, the lessee must 'substantially' complete both the Tigne and Manoel Island phases by 2026.
4. If the works are not completed by March 2026, the contract permits the Government to reclaim the entire concession.
5. The lessee and the Government are currently negotiating an extension of the completion date.
2025 presents a historic opportunity for Malta. This contract will never again be up for renegotiation. Not in our lifetimes. Not beyond.
This is our one chance to change course.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
1. Negotiate with the lessee to return Manoel Island to public ownership.
2. Turn Manoel Island into a public park.
3. Replace the planned residences with green open spaces and recreational facilities creating a green lung for the entire area.
4. Restore and preserve the heritage of Manoel Island, making it accessible to the public.
2. Turn Manoel Island into a public park.
3. Replace the planned residences with green open spaces and recreational facilities creating a green lung for the entire area.
4. Restore and preserve the heritage of Manoel Island, making it accessible to the public.
Closing remarks
Transforming Manoel Island into a huge public park would be a massive step in the right direction, for our physical and mental health, the environment, and much more.
This is the only chance we have to make our dream a reality.
This is our last shot at turning Manoel Island into A Place For Us.
This is the only chance we have to make our dream a reality.
This is our last shot at turning Manoel Island into A Place For Us.