The Government will present a proposal to Parliament for land in Pembroke to be allocated for sporting purposes, as well as for a new and expanded use by the community, it announced in a statement on Monday night.

During a meeting with members and supporters of Valletta FC, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that this project will greatly benefit, among others, the capital city club, which after decades without facilities will now have land from which to operate and move forward.

This land in Pembroke, which under the local plan is designated for the construction of offices and private residences, has a market value estimated between €75 million and €100 million.

Thanks to a strong economy that allows for such a decision, the Government made the conscious choice to opt for a sports project—rather than development that would generate greater financial returns—in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage children and young people to engage in physical activity.

The draft designs outline plans for Valletta FC to have a full-size pitch, an additional 5-a-side pitch, as well as facilities for the club’s administration and academy. The concept is based on the development of a sports campus and football training hub.

Another part of the land will be allocated so that Swieqi United will also have its own new pitch, and to establish the first facility in Malta specifically dedicated to futsal.

For the Pembroke community, an investment will be made in an open space of more than 4,500 square metres between the sports facilities and residential areas, for families in the area to enjoy. The necessary parking facilities will also be ensured.

The Prime Minister stated that the Government will honour its commitment to the capital city club and that this dream is now being realised with the announcement of the project and its eventual implementation, which is expected to proceed at a strong pace.

“This project confirms the confidence we have in sporting activity and the importance we are giving to sport in our country,” concluded Dr Abela.

The Minister for Sport, Clifton Grima, said that the Lands Authority is currently proceeding with the process for the Pembroke land to be officially transferred to Sport Malta, after which the proposal will be approved by Parliament and the contract signed so that the capital city club can have its sporting home.

The President of Valletta FC, Claudio Grech, thanked the Government for what he described as a historic day for the club that will be remembered for many years. He said that this is not only the first step in granting a piece of land, but an important step toward securing a strong future for the capital city club and for the younger generations who will learn football and grow into better members of society.