All 11 expressions of interest in the White Rocks complex submitted by the closing date last October have been studied and found qualified to pass on to the next stage of the evaluation process.

The proposals were examined by an Evaluation and Adjudication Committee, which has now approached the University of Malta’s Faculty of Architecture for its help with drawing up a report on the best use of the footprint for the project, based on the bids.

Economic Affairs Minister Chris Cardona gave the information last night in answer to a parliamentary question by Claudio Grech (PN).

The 45 hectares of land, on which now lie the ruins of British forces residential units, have been offered for “modern, creative and innovative” ideas from entrepreneurs.

The government wants it to become a development of luxury units, fully funded by the private sector, in a 65-year-concession that includes a Natura 2000 site.

The previous government had issued a development brief for a sports village which did not allow real estate development.

It had hoped to attracted €200 million in investment and generate hundreds of jobs but the project fell through and never took off.