Updated: Manoel Island concession step closer to termination

Manoel Island is one step closer to returning to public ownership after Parliament approved a resolution on Tuesday to partially terminate its concession to MIDI, following earlier approval by the national audit committee.

Parliament unanimously voted in favour of the motion which will place Manoel Island and part of Fort Tigne back into the hands of the public.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici presented the resolution, explaining that the Government will reimburse MIDI for verified restoration expenses but will not pay for the value of the land. The arrangement ensures that the sites will eventually be transformed for public use, while safeguarding cultural and historical heritage. Bonnici emphasized that the process is an exercise in “restitutio in integrum,” reimbursing expenses rather than purchasing the property.

Lands Authority CEO Robert Vella outlined how the reimbursable amount was determined. Unlike a standard property valuation, the process focused solely on verifying actual expenses incurred by MIDI during the concession. The company submitted a detailed list of costs, which were checked against invoices and proof of payment. Only verified and paid expenses were included; any unpaid invoices remain MIDI’s responsibility.

Addressing concerns from Nationalist MP Darren Carabott, Vella confirmed that latent defects present at the time of the 2005 concession, if unresolved, will now become the Government’s responsibility. Existing agreements, including an electricity distribution centre with Enemalta, will continue under Government oversight. Discussions regarding a football ground on the island will also proceed in coordination with the football association.

The parliamentary approval represents a major milestone in formalizing the partial rescission agreement. Once the process is fully completed and endorsed by MIDI shareholders, Manoel Island and Fort Tigné will revert to public ownership, while the remaining concession over Tigné Point will continue under MIDI, ensuring controlled development alongside public access.

PL statement

In a statement, the PL said that the committee unanimously approved the agreement reached between the Government and MIDI, which its board of directors had endorsed, for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to be returned to the public.

“This will undo part of the agreement made by a Nationalist Government in 2000, when these two sites were handed to developers. The political commitment made by Prime Minister Robert Abela for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to be enjoyed by families is continuing to take shape, with a promise now being delivered. One further step remains, namely approval by MIDI’s shareholders. “

“The agreement reached by a Labour Government to correct the harm caused by a Nationalist Government stipulates that nothing will be paid for the land value of Manoel Island. In fact, only half of the verified and justified costs will be paid, following the claims made by the consortium and the firm position taken by a Labour Government during negotiations,” the PL said.

The Labour Party said it looks forward to the ongoing consultation process, “so that families and activists, who have spoken out so strongly, can continue putting forward ideas on how these places can be enjoyed by today’s generations and those to come.”

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