Protesters gathered at Manoel Island yesterday evening to oppose plans for 30 padel courts, arguing the project threatens the future of the site and marks another step towards its commercialisation.Organised by Moviment Graffitti as part of the Manoel Island: Post Għalina campaign, the demonstration began at the island’s entrance before participants marched towards Fort Manoel, calling on the government to honour its pledge to turn the area into a national park.The protest follows the Planning Authority’s approval of a permit for the development, despite campaigners noting that 20 of the courts had reportedly already been built illegally on archaeological remains.In a statement ahead of the protest, organisers warned that the decision had “cast the future of the whole island into serious doubt”, arguing that allowing a private business to operate on the site raises concerns that Manoel Island could be “handed over, piece by piece, to different commercial interests pursuing private profit”.Protesters also called for greater transparency over the island’s future, urging authorities to prioritise public access, environmental protection and community wellbeing over commercial development.Do you think public spaces in Malta are becoming too commercialised?Photos: Moviment Graffitti•