The Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has entered into a promise of sale agreement with the owners of the King's Own Band Club premises in Valletta with the aim of purchasing the property, to protect this musical society from an imminent risk of eviction.

This organization faced such a risk due to the legal situation related to pre-1995 rent laws.

In total, the Government has committed to paying €7.4 million for the acquisition of the property as payment for the purchase of the building, along with an additional €1.8 million in compensation to the owners in accordance with the law.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, explained the ongoing efforts to safeguard band clubs that are at risk of eviction, saying that this work is a priority, especially given that Maltese feasts are now recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The Minister said that through this agreement, the Government is once again demonstrating its commitment to finding a solution that considers both the property owners and the musical society itself. He said that once the final contract is signed, the property will be added to the portfolio of band club premises managed by a dedicated section within the Malta Arts Council. The respective musical societies will then be required to pay rent to the Government.

To date, twelve musical society premises have been definitively purchased by the Ministry. These are: The premises of Għaqda tal-Mużika San Gejtanu AD 1906; The premises of Soċjetà Mużikali Marija Reġina Marsa A.D. 1977; The premises of Għaqda Mużikali Stella Levantina in Ħ'Attard; The premises of Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonika Sagra Familja in Kalkara; The premises of Soċjetà Każin Santa Liena Banda Duke of Connaught's Own in Birkirkara; The premises of Soċjetà Mużikali Antoine de Paule in Raħal Ġdid; The premises of Soċjetà Mużikali Stella Maris in Sliema;  The premises of Għaqda Mużikali San Pietru fil-Ktajjen in Birżebbuġa; The premises of Għaqda Soċjomużikali Anici in Qormi; The premises of Soċjetà Filarmonika Santa Marija in Mosta; The premises of Soċjetà Sant'Andrija in Lija; and The premises of Banda 12th May in Żebbuġ

With the formal purchase of the King's Own Band Club premises, the Government will have invested over €28 million in acquiring these properties.

James Pearsall, who is responsible for the committee within the Malta Arts Council that manages these properties, said: "This is an investment in the heart of the Valletta community, ensuring that the King's Own Band Club is safeguarded and returned to the people. Band clubs are cultural pillars-they teach music, keep feasts alive, and strengthen Maltese identity. This initiative preserves our heritage for future generations."

Also present at the press conference were the President of the King's Own Band Club, architect Ivan Piccinino, along with the club committee, Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay, and members of the Valletta Local Council.