Saint Leonard Band Club of Kirkop will be moving into new premises close to the one it now occupies, a requisitioned property that was the source of a long legal battle.

“This is a memorable day… The history of this club was filled with happy and stressful moments… Today, we can look ahead,” said club secretary Kenneth Cassar during a press conference held to launch the new site.

Situated just behind the Kirkop parish church, in Dun Carlo Taliana Street, the 325-square-metre site meant peace of mind for the band club, he said.

The 150-year-old club has faced several legal battles, spanning over two decades, in connection with the property it now occupies.

In one of the most recent developments, a court found in October last year that a 1955 requisition order, through which the club took over the premises from its owners, violated the owners’ rights. The club was asked to fork out €60,000 in compensation.

This was overturned in June when the Constitutional Court ruled that the requisition order had been in the public interest.

Mr Cassar said that, following the first court case, the club had started looking for more adequate premises.

With the help of benefactors, the club bought 300 square metres of land for €105,000. The Land Department gave them the remaining 25 square metres under a 99-year emphyteusis agreement signed a few days ago.

Band club architect Tony Bezzina was now working on the plans to be submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Club president Louis Zammit thanked benefactors and club members for their help and support.

“Initially, the end seemed far. But without trying, we wouldn’t have managed,” he said.

Lands Minister Jason Azzopardi, who was present for the event, congratulated the young club members for their work which showed that even small villages could obtain great results.

“This is a small village with a large heart,” he said adding that he was glad that the Land Department could help realise the village’s dream.