Residents of Pembroke Square Off Against Football Club Expansion

Pembroke, Malta – The usually quiet streets of Pembroke have been buzzing with an unusual energy lately. Residents are not discussing the latest episode of their favorite TV show or the weekend’s weather forecast. Instead, they’re talking about a proposed expansion plan by a local football club that has them up in arms.

Understanding the Proposal

The Pembroke Athleta Football Club, a historic club with deep roots in the community, has submitted a planning permit application to expand its existing facilities. The club, established in 1922, is seeking to upgrade its training pitches and construct a new clubhouse at its current location on Triq l-Imqabba.

The proposed development includes the construction of a two-story clubhouse with changing rooms, offices, and a social area. The plans also involve resurfacing and improving the existing training pitches, as well as installing new floodlights to allow for evening training sessions.

Residents’ Concerns

While the football club’s plans have been met with enthusiasm by some, many residents of Pembroke are voicing their concerns. The primary issue is the potential increase in noise and traffic in the residential area. The proposed floodlights, for instance, could shine into nearby homes, disrupting sleep and daily life.

residents worry about the increased traffic the new facilities could bring. Triq l-Imqabba is already a busy street, and with more training sessions and events, they fear it could become a safety hazard. “We’re not against the club or its development,” says Maria Azzopardi, a long-time resident of Pembroke. “But we must consider the impact on our quality of life.”

The Fight Against ‘Obscenity’

Residents have been vocal about their concerns, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. A Facebook group, ‘Pembroke Residents Against Club Expansion’ (PRACE), has been set up to coordinate efforts and raise awareness about the issue. The group’s administrator, who wished to remain anonymous, told Hot Malta, “We will fight this obscenity. We love our community and won’t let it be ruined by a thoughtless development.”

The group has been encouraging residents to submit their objections to the Planning Authority. As of now, over a hundred objections have been submitted, with more expected in the coming days.

In response to the backlash, Pembroke Athleta Football Club has released a statement emphasizing their commitment to the community and their willingness to engage in dialogue with residents. They maintain that the proposed development will benefit the club and the community, creating more opportunities for local youth to engage in sports.

What’s Next?

The Planning Authority is currently reviewing the application and the objections submitted. A decision is expected in the coming months. In the meantime, both the club and the residents have agreed to engage in dialogue, with a public meeting scheduled for later this month.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the spirit of community in Pembroke is strong and resilient. Whether they’re cheering for their local football team or fighting to protect their quality of life, the residents of Pembroke are a force to be reckoned with.

Stay tuned to Hot Malta for more updates on this developing story.