PA approves application for Paola regional health hub
The Planning Authority yesterday approved the planning application for the construction of a regional health hub in Paola.
The application for full development permission proposes the demolition of the existing boċċi club and public garden, and the construction of a regional health hub which will include operating theatres, consultation and treatment rooms, a pharmacy and physiotherapy clinics. The proposal also involves the conversion of the northern and eastern parts of the derelict Pace Grasso football ground into temporary parking spaces. The proposed building will consist of a basement level and seven aboveground levels.
The site is located in Triq Karl Chircop, corner with Triq is-Sorijiet and Triq id-Durrajsa, Paola.
The case officer’s report read that it is the government’s aim to strengthen primary health care services, together with community-based services and continuity of care after discharge from hospital. “Facilitating the shift of more health care services from secondary to primary health care will relieve the present overload at Mater Dei Hospital.
The Paola Regional Health Hub will provide health care services to people residing in localities forming part of the Southern Harbour and South Eastern districts. “People residing in the present Paola Health Centre catchment area will be able to access all services provided at this new hub once it is opened, while those residing in the present Cospicua Health Centre and the Kirkop Health Centre catchment areas will be able to access speciality services including ophthalmic, dementia, minor-ops, X-rays, ultrasound, bone densitometry, echocardiography, lifestyle, sexual health, dental and ambulance services. The present Paola Health Centre catchment area includes Paola, Tarxien, Santa Luċija, Birżebbuġa, Żejtun, Marsaxlokk, Żabbar, Marsascala, Xgħajra, Fgura, Gudja, Għaxaq, Bengħajsa, Ħal Far and Kalafrana – a population of approximately 128,923.”
The Case Officer’s report read that the entire football pitch behind the boċċi club, the garden and boċċi club itself have been designated to be redeveloped as a community centre, according to revisions to the South Malta Local Plan dated 2015. “It has been divided into four distinct areas: Zone A – Health; Zone B – Social services; Zone C – Commercial; Zone D – Public open space. The proposed Health Hub will be located within Zone A, while temporary parking will be located within Zone C, and part of another zone. The established height limitation for the area is that of four floors, as per the South Malta Local Plan revisions policy.”
Two hundred and thirty temporary parking spaces will be provided using some of the other zones, and permanent parking spots will be included once development of the other areas is approved.
In a tweet, Health Minister Chris Fearne welcomed the PA’s approval.
In a press statement later in the day, Minister Fearne said that through this regional centre, all those in the south of Malta will be able to receive many health services in their own community.
The design and construction contract for the Paola hub cost €26 million, while the full Paola hub project is expected to cost €39 million, partly funded by the EU.