Pembroke residents and NGOs protest against massive sports complex on natural land

Pembroke residents and NGOs yesterday protested against the proposed construction of three football grounds and a wider sports complex on natural land close to the Natura 2000 area in Pembroke. The protest forms part of a broader campaign by residents and NGOs against the transfer of public land in Pembroke for large-scale sporting and commercial projects, with petitions and public objections continuing to gather support.

The protest was supported by several environmental organisations including Moviment Graffitti, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust Malta, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, the Ramblers’ Association and Għawdix. Protesters argued that the proposed project would place intolerable pressure on residents and further damage one of the few remaining open natural spaces in the locality.

Government plans envisage the development of at least two football pitches, spectator facilities, a five-a-side ground, a futsal complex and additional administrative and commercial facilities on land near Triq Gabriel Henin. Valletta FC and Swieqi United FC are expected to benefit from parts of the proposed complex.

Residents and NGOs repeatedly stressed during the protest that they are not opposed to sports facilities themselves, nor to football clubs having their own grounds, but argued that the selected site is environmentally and socially unsuitable due to its proximity to a Natura 2000 site. Protesters also warned that the project risks turning Pembroke into “another Paceville” due to increased traffic, commercialisation, noise pollution and floodlighting.

A major point of contention among residents remains the lack of public consultation and the absence of detailed official plans despite the scale of the proposed development. NGOs also warned that recent government proposals to further commercialise sporting facilities through planning reforms could eventually transform sports zones into mixed commercial developments containing retail outlets, catering establishments and entertainment facilities.