A call for expressions of interest for the restoration and development of Strickland Palace in Zebbiegh, limits of Mgarr; Marfa Palace; land at Busbesija, limits of Mgarr; and the Isolation Hospital in Mtarfa is to be issued on Monday.

Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia, who is responsible for the planning authority, said this was being done as part of a Government property stocktaking process.

The sites, he said, had historical value and were in a state of neglect and the Government wanted the private sector to restore and use them. They were being offered to private and commercial entities and the Government was open to every kind of proposal, including the development of a race track.

He said that nine such sites had so far been identified and a call for the other five, which could be affected by land reclamation proposals, was expected to be issued in the coming months.

Lease on these sites would be between 45 and 99 years.