Marsascala local councillor and PN candidate for the General Elections Charlot Cassar has suggested that government buy the Jerma Hotel land and turn it into an open space to be used by the public.

The Jerma hotel was built over five storeys and had a total of 345 rooms and closed down in March 2007.

Mr Cassar, speaking with The Malta Independent, explained that the site blocks access to the shoreline, is abandoned, and can be an opportunity for government to reverse the trend Malta has seen over the years - that of developments popping up at every turn. “It’s a one-time opportunity,” he said, “for government to buy the area and give it back to the people”.

It was recently reported that the site of the Jerma Hotel will be put up for judicial sale by auction. The sale was ordered by the courts during a case instituted by HSBC Bank Malta against JefPet Ltd. An enforcement notice was also issued by the Planning Authority

Mr Cassar also explains that the current building covers St Thomas’ Tower. “Once removed, it will again allow the historic tower to be seen, and would help bolster its status as a tourist attraction. “If we market the tower as an attraction, then tourists will come and the community will benefit,” he said.

“If we build everywhere, we will kill off our green areas and put tourism at risk”.

Mr Cassar put forward a motion within the local council around a month ago for the site to be cleaned, properly closed off and for action to be taken. A letter was then sent to the authorities.