GRTU said it is requesting the government to take into consideration the business community of the area and not just the residents, in relation to the University that is being planned for the South of Malta.
In a statement, the GRTU said that any such project that involves the acquisition of areas of land through advantageous conditions should be subject to clear and stringent parameters on how the land should be utilized.
The GRTU said it expected that any dealings and contracts entered into for the setting up of this University do not provide for any possibility, in the near or long term, of using the acquired land for retail areas or shopping complexes.
It is being understood that the advantages related to land given to investors is strictly for the setting up of the university and not of using the area to derive commercial advantages through other uses. Malta has enough retail areas and shopping complexes and including retail investment in such a project will not only not bring any added value but will negatively effect businesses in the vicinity.
GRTU said it was making this observation because in a similar case, the land around the Malta International Airport was not only used for the airport and ancillary services but was also developed commercially to house offices and on a number of occasions developing the area into a shopping mall was also considered.
Therefore GRTU insisted that any new revenue that will be generated through the University project should revitalize the South in its totality and this includes the business community of the area.