The government has confirmed that it has dropped discussions with the preferred bidder for the controversial shooting range at Busbesija, Mosta.

The Lands department started a project to plan restoration for vacant and neglected property around Malta and Gozo, in order to find a suitable purpose for them.

The plans included transforming the isolation hospital in Mtarfa into an elderly care facility, restoring the Mtarfa place into a boutique hotel and the Strickland Palace in Mgarr into a facility for an agricultural project. The plans for these three have been moved forward, but the government decided to drop the shooting range plan.

U Group Malta Ltd were to develop the shooting range but now Busbesija Group of Investment are now being considered for developing a Retreat House with agri-tourism facilities.

A concession agreement of 45 years will be given for the named properties. This will have to be approved by parliament.