Race track investors want to have a complex that includes a hotel and leisure facilities.

Motorsport promoters are eyeing two sites for the construction of a race track complex that would include a hotel and leisure facilities.

Charles Bellia and Frans Deguara, through their company, ICSKA, are proposing the circuit at the old airfield between Qrendi and Siġġiewi or in Ħal Far, close to where the airport runway ends. Both sites are on public land but the promoters are in discussions with the owners of private property in the limits of Qrendi to have a third option available.

Mr Bellia said the company had the backing of UK investors – Copse Consortium – who were willing to pour money into the project as long as it was approved in its entirety.

“A standalone race track is not viable, and this is why the investors want to have a complex that includes a hotel and leisure facilities,” he told Times of Malta.

A stand alone race track is not viable

The company has filed two planning applications so far, although these are still at pre-screening stage.

Mr Bellia said the development would include a state-of-the-art multi-purpose track catering for various categories of car and motorcycle formula racing. Such a circuit would have to be a minimum of 3.5 kilometres long. It could also be used by driving schools, he added.

Motorsports enthusiasts have long clamoured for a race track and both major political parties promised it in their manifestos last year. The Labour Party had pledged that a future government would, along with stakeholders and possible involvement of the private sector, identify a site for the development of a motorsport race track.

Mr Bellia has for the past two decades campaigned for a race track, holding talks with various administrations, including the present government.

Sports Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius said the government was committed to identifying a site. “I met Mr Bellia both before and after the election but I have always made it clear there would have to be a public call for expressions of interest if public land is used for such a project,” he said.