A call for offers for an exhibition and convention centre at Ta' Qali will be issued next week. The centre, covering an area of 93,000 square metres, will be in operation by December 2010, Urban Development Minister Jesmond Mugliett and Environment Minister George Pullicino said on Friday.
As the lease for the existing Trade Fair Grounds, in Naxxar, expired at the end of July, the new centre would be able to house the trade fair and other conventions.
Mr Mugliett said that once the call is issued, there will be a 10-week submission period and adjudication will take eight weeks. The development of the site should start in August.
In turn, Mr Pullicino said one of the Ta' Qali Action Plan's policies permitted the development of a convention centre next to the football stadium. He added that Ta' Qali was an ideal location for such a facility because the place was located in the centre of the island and was surrounded by a good transport network.
Extensive parking was already available and it did not interfere with a residential area. According to the Structure Plan, the construction cannot occupy more than 32 per cent of the site. The structures may not be higher than 10 metres and the area must be landscaped. It also had to include a multi-storey car park.
Mr Mugliett said the developer would have the option to lease the site for 35, 49 or 65 years and would be responsible for its maintenance.
As the site of the development includes the parking area used by the Malta Football Association, one storey of the car park must be granted to the MFA.
The developer would also have to make the whole centre available as a counting hall for elections. Alternative arrangements are being made because the facilities will not be available in time for the next general election.
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