Efter rapporter om obehörig byggnation utreder Maltas planmyndighet Gżira United Football Clubs nästan färdiga padelbanor på Manoel Island, inom Vallettas UNESCO-buffertzon. Arbetena på arrenderad mark föregår en väntande ansökan och regeringsplaner för en nationalpark.
Planmyndigheten (PA) har inlett en utredning om padelbanor under byggnation på Manoel Island av Gżira United Football Club, som iakttagits vara nästan klara per 11 mars 2026, utan godkänt tillstånd. Detta följer initiala klagomål rapporterade tidigare i veckan från kampanjen Manoel Island – Post Għalina och Momentum, i samband med planer på att omvandla ön till en offentlig nationalpark. The probe targets works linked to planning application PA/07995/25, submitted in November 2025 by club president Charlon Pace. Covering 6 700 kvadratmeter, it proposes reinstating football grounds with variable sports uses—including demountable glass structures for padel courts—and sanctioning existing features. The application is still in the screening phase for potential environmental studies. The campaign, with over 29 000 signaturer för en offentlig park, and Momentum support sports facilities but demand legal compliance and assessments. Gżira United insists the project is on designated leased government land, separate from broader island proposals, to boost sports participation and club sustainability. The issue arises during government talks with the MIDI consortium to acquire Manoel Island, with Prime Minister Robert Abela suggesting a deal soon. No PA enforcement or stop order has been issued as of 12 mars 2026.
