The controversial redevelopment of the Comino Hotel and Bungalows has been approved by the Planning Board, paving the way for what it describes as a “transformative project that seeks to blend tourism infrastructure with ecological sensitivity.”

The decision marks a “significant milestone in the revitalisation of one of Malta’s most iconic, yet environmentally sensitive, destinations,” the Authority said.

The approved development will see the demolition of the existing Comino Hotel at San Niklaw Bay and the bungalows at Santa Marija Bay. In their place, the project will introduce a new hotel accommodating 140 beds at San Niklaw Bay and 16 individual serviced bungalows at Santa Marija Bay.

The PA said that these will be “complemented” by a suite of carefully integrated amenities including a spa, bars and lounges, restaurants, swimming pools, reservoirs, and upgraded berthing facilities. The plan also encompasses a comprehensive upgrade of infrastructure systems and back-of-house facilities, it said.

The Authority noted that “at the heart of this application lies a key revision submitted in 2023 that saw the strategic downsizing of the development. Not only has the proposed footprint been reduced, but the entire development has been contained within the existing built envelope, utilising vacant plots and interstitial spaces.”

“The originally proposed sprawl onto undeveloped land has been eliminated altogether – an outcome that reflects a more sustainable and site-conscious planning approach,” stated the PA.

The approved new project “respects the sea’s edge as a living boundary: all new buildings will step back from the waterline, carving out a permanent, construction-free coastal zone that breathes with the tides,” said the PA. “With a total site area of around 27 hectares, this redevelopment touches two distinct bays on Comino’s northern coast.”The Comino Hotel, originally constructed in the 1960s, and the bungalows, developed in the 1970s, will give way to a reimagined complex that “respects the island’s rural and natural context,” said the Authority. Historically, the hotel operated as a linear, two-storey building overlooking San Niklaw Bay, while the bungalows, located at Santa Marija Bay, formed part of a compact hospitality offering including a central bar and restaurant.

In line with its designation as a Rural Conservation Area, a Nature Reserve, and a Natura 2000 site, the PA said that the new development will be “guided by stringent environmental criteria. The architectural vision follows the natural contours of the landscape, with low-lying structures and green roofs helping to integrate the buildings into the terrain. Blank party walls will be removed, and significant landscaping efforts – including the planting of native shrubs and trees – will further soften the visual impact over time.”

According to the PA, “this sensitive design approach was prompted by several key planning considerations, notably the impact on views from both medium and long distances, land take-up, building height, and urban density. After thorough dialogue with stakeholders, the project team successfully demonstrated that the disturbed footprint will remain within the limits of the existing structures.”

The PA stressed that “the project is aligned with Policy GZ-Ghjn-8 of the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, which supports additional sustainable facilities on Comino.” It is also bolstered by a planning gain of over €300,000, allocated to the Planning Authority’s Planning Fund.

These funds will be reinvested in environmental improvement initiatives within the locality, “ensuring that the benefits of the development extend beyond its immediate footprint,” said the Authority.

It went on to say that, “the project preserves and will sensitively restore the historic mortuary known as ‘Remissa ta’ Santa Marija’ and the war-time corrugated-steel Nissen Huts.”

The Planning Authority concluded by saying that “this newly approved proposal signals a shift toward regenerative development on Comino – one that preserves its serene character, supports ecological stewardship, and redefines tourism with a lighter footprint and a deeper respect for place.”

Photos: PA: Comino Bungalows approved and current; Comino Hotel approved and current

Permalink: PA gives green light for redevelopment of Comino Hotel and Bungalows