Seventeen investors have expressed interest in transforming the abandoned White Rocks hotel complex into an upmarket real estate development.

International, European and Maltese companies and consortia have put their names forward for the project, Economy and Investment Minister Chris Cardona said yesterday.

The government had launched a global expression of interest for the design, construction and operation of White Rocks Malta on June 20.

The development could include upmarket homes, luxury hotels of at least five stars, luxury units, or a high-quality lifestyle community village.

With determination and commitment, we’ll ensure that this project materialises

The total area of the concession is 449,885 square metres, with ruins currently occupying 135,660 square metres of that.

The investors have until Tuesday to request clarifications, to which the Privatisation Unit must reply by October 15 so that submissions can be made by October 24.

“We are looking forward so that, with determination and commitment, we ensure that this project materialises,” Dr Cardona said.

White Rocks, a prime site on the coast, north of Pembroke, has been seen as nothing more than an eyesore for years.

The area was originally developed as living quarters by the British services. When the British left, the area was turned into a tourist complex. It eventually closed down and was allowed to fall into ruins.

In June 2010, the Gonzi government had announced that a UK firm was to turn it into an upscale €200 million sports village, but those plans never materialised.

In May 2013, Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi said the proposed project was not feasible, and contact with the would-be developers had ceased.

In November, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said a sports village would be built elsewhere and a fresh call for the development of the site would be issued.