With the GFA’s proposed Europa Point Stadium securing itself as a hot topic this month, the Environmental Safety Group has insisted that the site is a ‘far from ideal location’, they add, ‘in environmental terms, the stadium would radically transform an open, peaceful area important for both tourism and the local community. This brutal conversion cannot, in our view, be softened by any redesign. The group also agrees with the Heritage Trust and the many voices from our community, that another site must be found. ‘

The group believes that the construction will cause an immense carbon footprint and urges developers to implement that rainwater collection and renewable energy technology into the design. They believe that several key roads will be closed for long periods during well-attended match days, causing knock on effects to other road systems.

The group also says that the large site could impact on the special coastal area contained within the UNESCO bid. This includes Gorham’s Cave.

The ESG understands the heavy weather conditions at Europa Point are influencing the design of the proposed stadium as well as the materials that can be used. As well as the sea spray and intense sunshine there is always a constant strong breeze/winds prevalent in the area. Littering associated with large-scale events poses a significant environmental hazard by way of lightweight rubbish being blown into the surrounding seas.

The group asks developers to consider the East Side reclamation as an alternative site. The ESG hopes that as landlords, the Gibraltar Government, will respond to the many concerns raised by the ESG and others in the community and agrees to offer the GFA an alternative site.