The protest is fuelled by growing frustration over the continuous encroachment of public spaces in St. Paul’s Bay for private development.

Perched Beach, an artificially constructed sandy beach completed in 2006 at a cost of Lm456,516 (just over €1 million), was originally intended to provide public access to a beach environment in the heart of Buġibba. The beach was transformed from its natural rocky shoreline, with the promise that the development could be reversed, returning the area to its original geological state if needed. Over the years, however, the beach has seen an increasing portion of its public space taken over for private use, with facilities like kiosks, restaurants, and even a tunnel linked to nearby hotels.

Recent developments include plans by the Dolmen Hotel to replace its Amazonia lido with new structures, and a 2017 proposal by DB group to construct a beach lido with an underground tunnel connecting it to the San Antonio Hotel. These projects, which involve the expansion of built-up areas and reduction of public access, have been met with opposition from the local council and the residents. Despite local objections, the Planning Authority has continuously approved these developments, including the most recent application to sanction temporary beach furniture and alterations to previous plans.

The reduction of public space has sparked outrage, as only one-third of the beach remains accessible to the public, with the rest occupied by private entities.

The Malta Tourism Authority recently revealed that over €900,000 of public funds were spent this year to replenish Perched Beach and St George’s Bay in St Julian’s with artificial sand. Yet, locals argue that the benefits of these investments are not reaching the citizens, who find their access to public land increasingly restricted.

As concerns over the preservation of public land continues to mount, this Sunday’s protest is aiming to protect public spaces.

The organisers are urging citizens to stand up for their rights before more of the coastline it lost to private development, citing areas like Comino, Sliema and St Julian’s as a prime example of overdevelopment.

The protest kicks off at 5pm.

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