The government is moving ahead with its plans to privatise the Marsa horse racing track, following an expression of interest issued last year.

An announcement in the Government Gazette yesterday said the government was engaged in an international call for a concession for the design, development, construction and operation of the track.

The government called on all parties who have any rights to the site to contact the privatisation unit to identify the rights held.

According to the privatisation unit’s website, a proposal is currently being considered by the evaluation and adjudication committee.

Sports Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius said last year that the aim of the project was to improve standards and make the venue run by the Malta Racing Club one of the best in the region.

“There’s huge potential in the racecourse and the standard of local events will improve as we would be able to stage international races and other big competitions locally,” Mr Agius had said.

The government intends to award the concession on a temporary emphyteutical basis.

The concession states the horse racing site must be run profitably and in a way which ensures that users and the government are satisfied with the level and quality of the services and facilities provided.

The services must conform to local, European and international regulatory standards.

No revenue or capital support for the development and operation of the Marsa horse racing track will be given by the government, with the stated aim being to “maximise proceeds to the government and to generate work in the industry”.

The total length of the race track is 1.75 miles, and its general width is 90 feet.

The first race meeting was held at the race track in 1869.