The American University of Malta said Thursday it has updated its infrastructural master plan to better reflect its aspiration to be a positive contributor to the Cottonera community.

The changes, the AUM said in a statement, came following extensive stakeholder meetings with the surrounding Cottonera community and Government

In its newly updated master plan and applications to the Planning Authority, AUM said it is renouncing to an earmarked land in St Paul’s Square in Cospicua following concerns that were expressed.

This change was agreed upon by AUM, it said, as a further sign of goodwill and is part of the latest deed agreed with the Government of Malta which was officially signed in September 2022. Also for this reason, the University is withdrawing its appeal to the EPRT on the same site.

The deed signed with Government, as already announced, includes the transfer of the originally earmarked land in Zonqor Point, Marsascala back to the Government of Malta in exchange for the implementation of a Campus within the Smart City Project in Kalkara.

The American University of Malta will continue to implement its State-of the Art Campus in the months and years to come as it plans to continue upgrading its educational facilities and services. The American University of Malta considers itself as a proactive stakeholder in the region, and thus it constantly engages with the community in order to find mutually beneficial solutions. It is keen to continue with its significant contribution to the community, offering added value to the region, both in economic and social terms.

The vision of the American University of Malta is to be at the forefront of tertiary education in this part of the world, offering American Style Education from the Maltese Islands to students from across the globe. Apart from offering high quality education to all of its students, the University aims to contribute positively to the region even in an infrastructural manner, to improve the Cottonera Region and its surroundings.

 Speaking on this move, AUM President Michel Najjar said that the American University of Malta is always eager to contribute to the community, particularly that of the Southern Harbour Region. “We need to continue with our constant engagement with the community and make sure that the University operates in a considerate manner. In this manner, the University will truly continue to offer added value economically, socially, and educationally. We look forward to open further our doors to the community and to be part of the traditions and culture that have lived in the region for decades,” Najjar concluded.