Gżira United FC is constructing at least six padel courts at Nicholl Ground on Manoel Island without a planning permit, prompting outrage from environmental campaigners and Momentum. The works on leased government land conflict with plans to turn the site—within Valletta's UNESCO buffer zone—into a national park, with critics demanding a halt and enforcement action.
Gżira United Football Club has confirmed building padel courts at Nicholl Ground, its former football ground on Manoel Island, now a patch of unused leased government land. The club, which currently plays at Antonio Bosio secondary school, stated the project aims to 'enhance sporting offerings, encourage community participation, and ensure financial sustainability.' It insisted the development is separate from broader island plans and committed to 'transparency and cooperation with authorities,' without addressing the permit issue.
The Manoel Island: Post Għalina campaign, backed by Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, condemned the 'illegal development,' noting no approved permit exists—the only related 2023 application by developer MIDI was rejected. Having gathered over 29,000 signatures for a national nature and heritage park, the group reported the works to the Planning Authority's Compliance & Enforcement Directorate and demanded an immediate stop. They rejected the club's piecemeal approach, advocating integration into a holistic masterplan from public workshops (which Gżira United skipped) and past failed engagement attempts. The site has hosted events like a summer Luna Park and World Cup village.
Political party Momentum, led by Arnold Cassola with input from Matthew Agius, questioned authorization amid government-MIDI negotiations and Prime Minister Robert Abela's recent comments on green spaces. Citing footage of ongoing construction, they raised environmental concerns like noise and traffic, UNESCO warnings on heritage pressures, and the need for visual/cultural impact assessments. MIDI distanced itself, confirming it does not control the area.
Critics support sports facilities, including a full-sized pitch, but insist on legal compliance over risky standalone projects undermining public consultation and Malta Vision 2050. The Planning Authority has not yet initiated enforcement despite reports.
