San Gejtanu Għaqda Tal-Mużika Acquires Ħamrun Band Club HQ
The Ministry for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici, has definitively concluded the process of purchasing the Band Club of the Għaqda Tal-Mużika San Gejtanu AD 1906 in Ħamrun, with an investment of €2.8 million.
This acquisition brings to 11 the number of music society Band Clubs whose purchase processes have been definitively concluded by the government.
This property joins ten other buildings occupied by various music societies, including the Band Club of the Marija Reġina Music Society Marsa A.D.1977, the Band Club of the Stella Levantina Music Association of Ħ’Attard, the Band Club of the Circolo San Giuseppe Philharmonic Sacred Family of Kalkara, the Band Club of the Santa Liena Duke of Connaught’s Own Music Society of Birkirkara, the Band Club of the Antoine de Paule Music Society of Raħal Ġdid, the Band Club of the Stella Maris Music Society of Tas-Sliema, the Band Club of the San Pietru Music Association in Chains of Birżebbuġa, the Band Club of the Anici Socio-Musical Association of Ħal Qormi, the Band Club of the Santa Marija Philharmonic Society Mosta, and the Sant’Andrija Society of Ħal Lija, which are now owned by the government, providing a principal building from which these societies operate.
Additionally, there is another property that the ministry, through the Malta Council for Arts, is in the process of convening with its private owners.
All 12 societies were at serious risk of eviction due to legal situations related to pre-1995 rental laws.
Minister Owen Bonnici, stated that music societies in our towns and villages play a crucial role in fostering cultural development and social progress among families. He noted that activists within these music societies often drive initiatives that promote art, education, environmental conservation, and social well-being in various communities.
“These organisations heavily depend on the spaces they occupy to perform their work effectively in the heart of communities, and eviction would not only seriously jeopardise their operations but also threaten their existence. Music societies are a crucial element in organising and executing the respective village feasts,” Minister Owen Bonnici continued.
“Therefore, it was essential to take proactive measures to protect these clubs, like the one we acquired today. Our work is not just about safeguarding the capacity and talent of these people but also about continuing to support the fundamental values of diversity and cultural expression for a future rich in culture,” concluded the minister.
Eric Fenech Sevasta, Director of Corporate Affairs within the Malta Council for Arts, added, “Thanks to initiatives like this, as a Council, we continue to implement our strategy in a way that helps define the cultural development and traditions that make us Maltese, always sustainably.”
In total, the government is expected to invest a total of €19 million when considering the amount already invested in acquiring the mentioned eleven properties and the amount needed for another property pending a final contract.
What do you make of this?