A parliamentary petition calling for Manoel Island to be turned into a national heritage park has been signed by over 10,000 people in the six weeks since its launch, a statement issued by Moviment Graffitti reads.

"The milestone number has been achieved with just over two weeks left in the two-month window in which signatures are accepted."

The petition is being promoted by the Manoel Island: Post Għalina (A Place For Us) campaign, led by Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambent Aħjar.

"It has been endorsed by over 40 other organisations, including ones related to fitness and mental health. The Church's Environmental Commission and the Chamber of Architects are also supporting the campaign.|

Campaigners argue that Malta has been completely transformed in the 25 years since a consortium of private companies was granted a concession to develop Manoel Island into a luxury residential and commercial zone. 

They say that current discussions between Government and MIDI, revolving around an extension to the March 2026 deadline by which the development was supposed to be substantially complete, presents "a perfect opportunity" to change course. 

The petition text says that "the heavily urbanised and densely populated area, home to around 150,000 residents and countless workers, has become the most densely populated area in Malta, making Manoel Island's role as a much-needed "green lung" all the more essential."

"The petition requests that Parliament negotiates with MIDI to return Manoel Island to the public as a national park, replacing the planned construction, including over 300 luxury apartments, with green open spaces and recreational facilities. It also calls for the restoration and preservation of the heritage buildings for public enjoyment rather than transforming them into commercial centres such as shopping facilities, hotels, and casinos," the NGO said.

The petition states: "2025 presents a historic opportunity for Malta. This contract will never again be up for renegotiation. Not in our lifetimes. Not beyond. 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."

Campaign spokesperson Robert Louis Fenech said: "We have described this vision - of Manoel Island as a place for everyone to enjoy - as a dream. The last six weeks have shown that while our vision may seem like a dream, it is definitely a vision the majority of the population feels very strongly about. As the campaign continues to gather steam, we appeal to the Government and to MIDI to listen to this plea, and together devise a way forward that contributes to the future we all want to see."

FAA coordinator Astrid Vella agreed, saying: "This is the only chance we have to make our dream a reality, to swap increasing pollution and related illnesses for health-giving green spaces. Now is the time for Malta's political leaders to stand up and be counted and show the kind of future they have in mind for the country. The efforts to invest in green spaces in urban areas are a positive step in the right direction, but we still lack a real push to create a new major public park. Manoel Island is the best possible site for this - a self-contained island, dotted with heritage everywhere you turn, that is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The answer is staring authorities in the face - turn Manoel Island into Malta's very own Central Park."

Campaign representative Sarah Schembri said: "During these six weeks, we have met thousands of people who are sick and tired of overdevelopment and the continued privatisation of community spaces. There is no question that scrapping the idea of adding construction and congestion on and around Manoel Island would be welcomed by all those who live in the area and far beyond. It is clear that Manoel Island is a national issue, not just a local one. We have met people from Birkirkara and Ħamrun who say that Manoel Island is the closest swimming zone. From Gozo to Birżebbuġa, there is no shortage of support for this cause." 

The campaigners said that the petition, along with more information on the campaign, can be found on the Manoel Island: Post Għalina website. 

MIDI replies:

Moviment Graffitti continue to mislead the public by stating that the completion date for the development of Manoel Island as contemplated in the deed is March 2026, MIDI said in reply. The Deed clearly states that the time for the performance of MIDI's obligations is automatically extended in case of delays associated with the issue of full development permits, in case of delays associated with archaeological finds and in case of delays caused by any event or circumstance outside MIDI's control. The delays encountered are clearly documented and include the delays associated with the archaeological finds which necessitated the complete redesign of the masterplan, delays associated with the approval of development permits including the abusive appeal lodged by the FAA and most recently the delays associated with the requirement to prepare a Heritage Impact Assessment.

The revised MIDI masterplan for Manoel Island places heritage at its core-bringing centuries of Malta's history to life through the restoration and conservation of the island's iconic buildings, including Fort Manoel which has already been restored to its former glory. Furthermore, the revised masterplan contemplates a significant reduction in the volume of development with public open spaces occupying 60% of MIDI's concession, including the 80,000sqm public glacis park encircling Fort Manoel and extending to the sea on both the north and east sides of the island.

Through the thoughtful integration of conservation, restoration, and innovation, Manoel Island is set to become a destination for the public to enjoy.