Ta’ Qali convention fairs tent to become permanent

The Ta’ Qali action plan, approved in 2006, said the indoor trade fair was a “stop gap measure” in view of the expiry of the lease of land at Naxxar traditionally used for trade fairs.

The plan proposed an alternative site in Ta’ Qali on abandoned agricultural land next to the National Stadium for a permanent convention and exhibition centre. 

The development was to be regulated by very strict planning rules including a maximum height limit of 10 metres and that only 32% of the site was to be built up.  

The tent was not to be allowed for more than two years after the approval of the plan in 2006. But the local plan allowed MEPA to grant a  “one-time only extension” if the Convention and Exhibition centre was not yet operational, and only if it was satisfied “with a strong justification that the use of temporary structures are needed” and that preparations for its relocation to the new site were underway.

Four years on, MEPA is acknowledging that the proposed convention centre cannot be developed “without a significant visual impact.”

Plans submitted in 2007 by tent owners Malta Fairs and Convention Centre Ltd, a company owned by Sign it and Fairs Exhibitions Ltd,had proposed a maximum height of 17m. A Project Development Statement claimed the increase in height was dictated by the requirements of specialised concerts with special lighting, sound and filming requirements. 

Now MEPA is saying “considerable difficulties have emerged in the attempts to accommodate the operational needs of this facility” and that the “action plan of 2006 has to be revised.”

The original plan envisioned the development of an underground multi-storey car park where the tent is situated, to cater for both the stadium and the nearby convention centre.

Now MEPA is considering ways to upgrade the environs of the national stadium to facilitate its “public enjoyment.”

MEPA is inviting the public to send its submissions on the proposed changes in the local plan before 11 November.