Justice Minister Clifton Grima has said that the target date for the completion of the new Gozo Court at the former Downtown Hotel in Victoria, is December 2028.

The Minister was replying to a Parliamentary Question tabled by the Opposition Spokesperson for Gozo, Frank Anthony Tabone, as to the current stage of the project and when it would be completed.

Minister Grima went on to say that the project is currently in the design and planning preparation stage, in order to finalise these for submission to the Planning Authority. He added that the next step, following approval by the Planning Authority, is the commencement of renovation works.

The Justice Minister explained that ”concurrently, the drafting of tender documents for the supply of necessary furniture and equipment will begin, ensuring that the Court can commence operations as soon as the renovation works are completed and all necessary services and equipment have been installed.”

The search for a long-awaited new site for the Gozo Court had been ongoing for many years, with several locations earmarked for the project, only to be changed at a later date.

A Promise of Sale agreement signed for the acquisition of the former Downtown Hotel property to become the new Gozo Court in Triq l-Ewropa, Victoria, was announced by the Government in November last year.

In a statement at the time, the Government said that “this development will pave the way for a new, modern, and accessible courthouse that meets the needs of the Gozitan community.” It noted that “the redevelopment works of the Court are expected not to exceed three years.”

Artist impression: DOI

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