Former San Luċjan oil depot earmarked for transformation into innovation hub

The Planning Authority has launched the second phase of a public consultation on plans to regenerate the former San Luċjan oil depot in Birżebbuġa into a hub focused on education, innovation and technology.

The consultation, being carried out in collaboration with Project Green, concerns a draft planning framework for the site and follows the cleaning of the San Luċjan oil tanks earlier this year. The tanks had previously been used to store heavy fuel oil.

An initial consultation was held earlier this year, during which the Government presented its vision and objectives for the site's regeneration. The Planning Authority said 18 submissions were received from residents and organisations during that phase.

Under the latest proposals, a Partial Review of the 1995 Marsaxlokk Local Plan would replace the existing Policy ML05 with a new framework regulating development at the former oil depot.

The proposed policy change would pave the way for the site's transformation into what is being described as a Sustainable Innovation Centre.

Plans envisage a hub accommodating education, innovation and technology uses, alongside spaces for cultural activities, entertainment and recreation. Publicly accessible green areas and family-oriented recreational facilities are also being proposed.

The draft Development Brief sets out planning parameters covering land use, building heights, urban design, landscaping, public open spaces, sustainable mobility and environmental protection.

According to the Planning Authority, the framework also seeks to safeguard surrounding agricultural land as well as nearby ecologically and historically sensitive protected areas.

Members of the public, stakeholders and other interested parties have been invited to submit representations on the proposed framework.

Submissions must reach the Planning Authority by 23rd September 2026, with the consultation documents available through the Authority's website.