Malta looks set to finally get a dedicated, local motorsports racetrack, with Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday announcing the Government will be spending €20 million constructing a German-designed course in Ħal Far.
The project, Dr Abela said, will be funded via the National Development and Social Fund, with money derived from the sale of Maltese citizenship by investment.
"The racing sport has waited for long enough, and it is time to deliver on our promise", he added, referring to the Labour Party's 2017 electoral pledge to build such a facility.
"We have the plans and money for it, and designs will be published soon."
The announcement was celebrated by Duncan Micallef, President of Malta Motorsport Federation, who said the news was like a dream come true.
"I had to look at my watch to make sure I'm not sleeping and dreaming," he told the Prime Minister and Sports Junior Minister Clifton Grima.
In earlier proposals for the facility, the Federation had hailed the potential economic benefits of the project, gained through the diversification of Malta's tourism product.
"Government experts [have] confirmed [the facility] would be viable and beneficial to the economy as it will help the country to diversify the tourism product into one of the niches renowned for quality tourism," it said last year.
Other potential benefits cited by the Federation previously include the creation of new jobs and potential to attract international events.
The project will be designed by German specialists and the Government indicated it will be kept away from residential areas in Birzebbuga.
The proposed track will instead be built in the Hal Far industrial estate next to a drag racing track and go-karting circuit. Dr Abela insisted that it will not take up any ODZ (Outside Development Zone) land.
Featured Image:
Proposed plans for the Hal Far motorsport race track as published on social media by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport & Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima
Enemalta defends Gozo grid investment after power cuts hit recently upgraded areas
The power company said it will continue to strengthen Gozo's energy supply after critical issues affected thousands last month
Here’s the scoop: What does an ice cream cost in Malta?
Your choice of frozen treat can cost anything from less than €2 to considerably more than an hour’s minimum wage
KM Malta Airlines unable to offer alternative flights this week to those affected by London disruptions
Disruptions caused by technical system failures affecting the UK’s National Air Traffic Services air traffic control systems