No fixed commercial kiosks will be allowed on the two floating islands to be set up through a public-private partnership in Marsalforn and Masrsascala, according to Projects Malta.

Instead, private investors are expected to raise revenue in other ways, such as snack facilities offered by boats moored to the floating platforms and activities to be held after “public hours”, including sporting events and private functions. A spokesman for Projects Malta Ltd – a newly established government entity entrusted with the administration of PPPs – told Times of Malta investors could not alter the design featured in the tender document even though many asked about such a possibility during a clarification meeting held a few days ago.

“There will be no fixed kiosks on the new beach facilities,” the spokesman said. “Instead, there will be a pool in the centre of the structure to be used by the public.” All facilities will be free of charge between 9am and 6.30pm. The owners of the two floating islands – covering an area or about 400 square metres – would then be free to generate revenue through any commercial activity subject to permits by the competent authorities.

Earlier this week, Times of Malta reported that the government was seeking private investors to finance the building and operation of two small floating islands in Marsalforn and St Thomas Bay, Marsascala.

The aim of these facilities – better known as modular floating systems – is to increase the size and accessibility of beaches and bays across the Maltese coastline. A call for tenders for the provision of the systems has already been issued by the government, the aim being to have the two new swimming facilities in place by June.

They are expected to be placed in the areas known as Banju tas- Sorijiet and off St Thomas Bay, and the date of June 15 has been pencilled in. The winning bidders will be granted a 10-year concession and will be responsible for building the facilities at their own expense.