The planning authority is consulting the public on proposals for the use of the site of the old Pace Grasso stadium in Paola.

While taking into account the government’s vision for the area, Mepa is seeking, through a proposed partial review of the South Malta Local Plan, to facilitate the development of a community centre with a priority for green public open spaces, facilities for health services and disabled people.

Through the proposed revisions, the 20,000sqm site has been divided into four zones.

One zone, measuring some 3,000sqm, is earmarked for health services, with a priority for a regional health centre, while another zone will be dedicated to social services. A third zone is earmarked for commercial activities, including a supermarket, while the fourth one – measuring 8,700sqm – will be a public open space.

Mepa said the centrally located public open space will provide a “strategic green lung in this densely built-up area”.

Underground space will accommodate parking facilities for the first three zones, while the fourth zone will have at least 350 underground car spaces. At the moment, the Pace Grasso site includes a garden, a boċċi pitch, a club house and a full sized, redundant, football pitch.

The draft planning policy together and submissions from the public can be accessed on www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation.

Those interested should send comments, in writing, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, revisions to the South Malta Local Plan (2015), Malta Environment and Planning Authority, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana CMR01, or on pacegrasso.smlp@mepa.org.mt by June 12.