30 August - 5 September 2001

Proposal for golf course in Pembroke

by David Kelleher

Malta could have its first professional golf course if proposed plans by a local company submitted to the Planning Authority are approved.
The Carmel Golf Club, as the golf course will be known, is being promoted by Carmel Golf Club Company Limited, and will be located in Pembroke on an area of government land between the Radisson Bay Point Resort and the White Rocks Holiday complex.
Speaking to The Malta Business Weekly, John Ellul Vincenti, said the proposed plans for the golf course had been submitted to the Planning Authority in January 2000, however the company, to date, has not received any constructive feedback on whether the application has been accepted or not.
Mr Ellul Vincenti said the Carmel Golf Course would be the first professional golf course on the island and the actual design and running of the golf course will be done by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA).
“Malta does not have a professional golf course and our proposals would make it possible for international tournaments to be organised in Malta and attract some of the world’s best players.
“This would not only raise the profile of golfing in Malta but would serve to target a lucrative niche tourist market,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said.
The proposed golf course will only take up between 30 and 35 per cent of the land earmarked for the development and the rugged terrain will be put to maximum use.
“The land’s natural raggedness and topography is ideal for a golf course and the fact that it is located close to St Julian’s and other tourist areas is an added bonus,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said.
He added that although the land is suitable for development without causing any negative impact on the environment, there are certain elements that will have to be
protected.
“The passageways presently used by the Armed Forces, a bed of rushes and a stream passing through the area down to the sea will have to be protected. However, our intention is to incorporate them into the design. This will make the golfing experience even more interesting and, at times, difficult. The land is sloping towards the sea and although high winds are not prevalent there, certain currents from the sea will make it more difficult for golfers,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said.
His company also plans to create a largish pond that will have to be crossed by golfers as they move from one hole to another. Apart from being an obstacle, the pond will be used as a reservoir for water that will feed the turf.
“The water in the pond will be used to feed the turf. The irrigation system will allow for any excess water to be drained and re-directed to the pond. Thus we will be saving water and reduced considerably the amount of water that the Reverse Osmosis in Pembroke will have to provide. Since the turf is very strong – as recommended by the PGA – the quality of water will not have to be very high either,” he explained.
Although on paper the proposed development is considered very feasible, Mr Ellul Vincenti is aware of the opposition to golf courses in Malta, especially from environmentalists due to the lack of agricultural land and water resources used.
“Very strong opposition to golf courses in Malta has created an unfortunate situation. They Golf courses have been put in a bad light by many people,” he said.
Aware of the possible negative feedback to such a proposal, the company has already carried out an Environment Impact Assessment. This has been carried out by Dr Anna Spiteri, from Integrated Resources Management Co. Ltd, and Dr Silvia Haslan, who is a well respected personality at the Planning Authority.
“Both ladies carried out an extensive report and were very favourable in their comments. They highlighted those areas that would have to be protected and their suggestions have been incorporated in the designs by architect Karl Borg and PGA,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said.
The company has held a number of meetings with various prominent environmentalist groups as well as the Pembroke Local Council. In both cases, the feedback has been very positive.
“Environmentalists have been quite positive although they would prefer to wait and see how matters develop before giving their full support. The Pembroke Council was also in agreement although it raised a number of concerns, which we accept,” he said.
Mr Ellul Vincenti added that the company was giving a greener option to residents living in the area. “The land could be developed at any time. We are telling people we are developing a lush green area not another hotel resort, Government Housing Complex or places for entertainment. The golf course will also be one of the very few large open green spaces in Malta, let alone in the St Julian’s area,” he said. “We also plan to plant a number of indigenous trees to damped the noise levels from the reverse osmosis plant,” he added.
And the government?
“The government has also shown keen interest in the proposal. The land belongs to the government and we hope that negotiations to obtain the land will be concluded by the end of the year. Everything, however, depends on PA approving our application,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said, adding, “we do not know why the PA is taking so long to give us its feedback. We see no reason why such a delay is necessary.”
Financing the project will depend on a number of factors, in particular the PA, however Carmel Golf Club Co. Ltd has approached and will continue to approach will be approaching a number of developers in the tourist sector to come in as financiers in total or in part.
“We firmly believe that this is an excellent opportunity for the tourist industry and Malta in general. Golf attracts the wealthy tourist who wants quality courses and excellent facilities. The facilities already exist and we hope to offer a world-standard golf course. Golf is usually played during the shoulder months so the club could attract golfers or competitions during this period. The end result is higher income and higher occupancy levels for hotels in the area,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said.