The Malta Fairs and Convention Centre was the only bidder in a call for tenders for the development of a site at Ta’ Qali that has been earmarked for the construction of the Malta Exhibition and Convention Centre, which is expected to be built by the end of 2010, The Malta Independent has learnt.

The call for tenders, which closed on Wednesday, was issued by the government in January. The details of the tender and the action plan were given during a press conference held in December by the Roads and Urban Development Ministry and the Environment and Rural Affairs Ministry.

However, according to sources close to the government, the fact that there is only one bidder might be of an added advantage since it might speed up the adjudication process, especially in light of the fact that the Naxxar grounds can no longer be used after 31 July.

The Trade Fair Corporation, which organises various fairs including the popular annual International Fair of Malta, is a shareholder of the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC).

The Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC) are operating the tent structure that was set up in December and the owners are bound by a two-year permit that can be extended by another year. Sources explained that the grounds where the tent is situated could also be developed as part of the new convention centre.

During the press conference held in December, Minister Pullicino had said that the government decided there was a need for a multi-purpose centre, especially since the emphyteusis (cens) of the Trade Fair grounds expires at the end of July 2007.

In fact, of the 92,921 square metres that are being made available for development, 77,980 square metres will be developed and 14,141 square metres will be used for underground parking.

Mr Mugliett said the developers will be able to negotiate on a choice of three different emphyteusis terms – 35, 49 or 65 years – depending on their requirements. Upon termination of the emphyteusis, the government reserves the right to enter into a new agreement, or renew the existing one.

The adjudication period will take another eight weeks, following which the Outline Development Permit will be submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) in June. The Full Development Application should be submitted in December and development of the site will be able to start in August 2008. According to the established timeframe, the project will be ready by the end of 2010 and should be operative by 2011.