Ta’ Qali’s 62 Crafts Village tenants have to decide by next month whether to sign a 65-year government lease as part of a €9 million embellishment project, or else vacate the place.

An Economy Ministry spokesman confirmed the project which is being managed by Malta Industrial Parks will include new services, street lighting, public open spaces, parking facilities and a family area.

The restoration of two Nissen huts which were part of the military airbase that was closed down in the late 1960s is also part of the project.

The ministry said that in the coming months Malta Enterprise will roll out a scheme to assist tenants in the development of the sites and promote artisanship and crafts in Malta.

While the spokesman described the feedback as positive, tenants who spoke with this newspaper were not so keen about the project, saying they could not afford to finance the cost of the new premises.

With the March 31 deadline looming, sources said only about a third had accepted the offer, with the majority deeming the conditions as being “too tough”.

More on Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.