Momentum Proposes Marsa Alternative For Valletta F.C. Stadium

If elected to Parliament, a Momentum MP would present one of its first parliamentary motions calling for the former Marsa power station site to be granted in concession to Valletta F.C. for the development of a new football ground and related facilities.

At the same time, Momentum would also table a motion seeking the extension of the existing Natura 2000 protected area in Pembroke to include the nearby undeveloped public land currently being targeted for development.

The proposed project supported by both PL and PN risks causing irreversible environmental damage through increased traffic, parking pressure, trampling, noise and especially light pollution affecting the surrounding protected habitats and biodiversity.

Momentum also warned that large-scale stadium projects rarely consist solely of sports facilities. Experience shows that such developments are often accompanied by extensive commercial activity, including retail outlets, entertainment venues, parking infrastructure and increased traffic generation. This would place further pressure on Pembroke residents, who already face significant congestion, overdevelopment and loss of quality of life.

The party emphasised that it is not opposed to Valletta F.C. having a modern stadium, however, this should not come at the expense of destroying one of the few remaining natural open spaces in Malta when viable alternatives, such as the former Marsa power station site, already exist.

Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola stated that “Malta does not have to choose between sport and the environment," highlighting that "the Marsa site offers a sensible solution that respects both community needs and environmental responsibility," finding this compromise between development and environmental protection.

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