No retail business inside Zonqor university, GRTU warns

The Small Business Chamber (GRTU) has requested the government to consider the business community at Marsaskala, and make the acquisition of land subject to clear and stringent parameters on how the land should be utilized.

“The GRTU expects that any dealings and contracts entered into for the setting-up of this University do not provide for any possibility, in the near or long term, of using the acquired land for retail areas or shopping complexes,” the GRTU said of the proposed American University of Malta at Zonqor Point.

“It is being understood that the advantages related to land given to investors is strictly for the setting-up of the university and not of using the area to derive commercial advantages through other uses. Malta has enough retail areas and shopping complexes and including retail investment in such a project will not only not bring any added value but will negatively effect businesses in the vicinity.”

GRTU said its observation was based on the fact that the land around the Malta International Airport was not only used for the airport and ancillary services, but was also developed commercially to house offices.

“On a number of occasions developing the area into a shopping mall was also considered. Therefore GRTU insists that any new revenue that will be generated through the University project should revitalize the South in its totality and this includes the business community of the area.”

More accolades for the new private university in the sout hcame from the government-appointed consultative council for the south, which is chaired by Labour MP Silvio Parnis.

“This type of project addresses the economic imbalance created in the south under the previous administration… it will offer new job opportunities that will improve quality of life, infrastructure, and a regeneration of historical sites.”