THE MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION AND SPORT AND BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY ?al Far Model Flying Association to be given alternative site – Paving the way for the car-racing track

Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri and Minister for Education and Sport Clifton Grima announced that the Hal Far Model Flying Association will be relocated. The site, currently being used by the association, will pave the way for the €20 million motor racetrack – another electoral promise that is being implemented.

This follows the agreement signed between Indis Malta Ltd, SportMalta, Lands Authority, and the Hal Far Model Flying Association (HFMFA), whereby the HFMFA will relocate from its current location at Hal Far Industrial Estate to a site on the outskirts of the same estate. On this site, the development which is to be carried out includes minimum interventions in accordance with permits issued by the Planning Authority with full respect for the classification of part of the site as Natura 2000.

Minister Schembri said that the move will also solve another issue at stake, whereby it was becoming hard for flying model aircraft enthusiasts to practice their sport due to other sport practices in the vicinity.

“The relocation stems from the fact that the existing HFMFA site is in the vicinity of several other sites which are being developed for industry, and would be suitable for similar industrial purposes, apart from the race-track itself”, explained Minister Schembri.

Minister Grima spoke about the collective work in progress in the sport sector, including infrastructural investment and direct investment in athletes and in those who practice all kinds of sports, but also by various means of support to sport clubs and associations.

“We are also giving priority to sport clubs and associations to see that they have a better environment and which is appropriate for the practice of their favourite sport”, said the Minister Grima.

INDIS Malta will provide the necessary technical support throughout the lifecycle of the relocation project and has also currently initiated a series of processes to ensure that the alternative site is free and unencumbered. INDIS will provide the maximum sum of €350,000 over a period of one year to cover the costs of the relocation.

The President of the Hal Far Model Flying Association, Pierre Bonello, said that the formalisation of an agreement between HFMFA and INDIS Malta Ltd will enable the relocation of the club premises and activities to an alternative location within the Hal Far zone.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister