A racetrack built in an outside development zone would be “unacceptable” and should not be taken lightly, according to the Front Ħarsien ODZ.
Front spokesman Michael Briguglio said yesterday he was “worried” about reports that a motor sport complex could be built on outside development zone land.
He was reacting to Sports Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius who told the Times of Malta yesterday he would not exclude a new racetrack being built outside construction boundaries. Mr Agius said the government was accepting calls for expressions of interest in developing the track.
Referring to the project as an “educational and recreational motor sport park”, Mr Agius stressed it would have a strong training purpose.
One of the few ways projects can be built on ODZ land is if they are deemed to be educational.
Asked whether the government would prefer commissioned real estate (plots already developed) to untouched land, Mr Agius said: “Proposals will have to respect the laws of Malta, especially environmental laws.” Pressed on the matter, he said the proposals would be assessed by the government’s Privatisation Unit, which was handling the project.
The development of a racetrack is not a new concept, and local motor sport enthusiasts have long urged governments to look into the possibility of a space to practise their hobby.
Do we even need a racetrack? I’m saying there should be consultation with the people
The idea was put forward as an electoral pledge by both main parties in the last general election and Opposition Whip David Agius was also present when Mr Agius made his comments on the racetrack.
The Opposition was strongly opposed to the development of a private university on ODZ land in Żonqor. Asked if he would also not exclude the track being built on ODZ land, David Agius said he would have to see the details of the project first.
“It depends on the project, if it really is educational or not and what type of development it includes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Briguglio said he was taken aback by the government having announced the initial phase of a project without having consulted the public.
“There are so many questions. Where will this be? Do we even need a racetrack? I’m not saying we don’t, I’m saying there should be consultation with the people,” Dr Briguglio said.
Asked if there were any preferred sites for the project, the parliamentary secretary said he did not want to influence the process during which expressions of interest were being submitted.
Government sources, however, said a number of localities had already been earmarked for the project. One of these was Siġġiewi, which mayor Karol Aquilina yesterday openly objected to.
Writing on Facebook, Dr Aquilina said: “Siġġiewi doesn’t need a racetrack but projects that improve quality of life.”
Not all are opposed to the deve-lopment of a track. Tonio Cini, president of the Malta Motorsport Federation, said there were thousands of enthusiasts who would benefit from a track.