Protesters Chant Against Manoel Island Padel Courts

Protesters gathered at Manoel Island on Friday evening to voice their opposition to the development of 30 padel courts and what they say is the growing commercialisation of the area.

Organised by Moviment Graffitti, the protest saw demonstrators gather at the entrance to Manoel Island before marching towards Fort Manoel, chanting slogans and calling for the island to remain a public space for the community.

The protest followed the Planning Authority’s decision to approve a permit for the padel courts, 20 of which had reportedly already been built illegally on archaeological remains.

Moviment Graffitti has argued that the decision puts the future of the entire island at risk and goes against the Government’s previous commitment to return the area to the public as a national park.

Protesters also called for greater transparency over the future of Manoel Island and urged authorities to prioritise public access, environmental protection and community wellbeing over private commercial interests.

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