Prime Minister Joseph Muscat visited Marsascala today to be briefed by architects following the government's decision to split the campus of the American University of Malta between Marsascala and Cospicua.

In comments to the media, Dr Muscat stressed that the 18,000 square metres of ODZ land which the Marsascala campus would use - along with the site of the former national pool - was substantially smaller than what was originally proposed and did not involve private land.

The area of ODZ, he said, was previously earmarked for a marine hatchery. 

He pointed out that had the government opted for other sites, such as several forts, it would still have needed to take up as much ODZ land to provide services such as roads. 

Dr Muscat also stressed that the nature park adjacent to the campus would not interfere with farmers' activities. 

Dr Muscat made his visit on the Jerma Hotel side of Marsascala. He said he wanted to urge the owners to 'get their act together' and come forward with a sustainable project.