Be the first to comment!MEPA gives green light for re-development of Forum Hotel
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The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board earlier today approved planning permission for the re-development of the derelict former Forum Hotel together with a fully detached villa and two undeveloped parcels of land.
The site will be developed into a predominately residential project which will include 12 semi-detached dwellings, 12 terraced houses and 79 apartments. Additionally, the development will also include office and retail facilities, a supermarket and 490 car parking spaces.
MEPA said that “although the entire site, according to the local plan for the area, permits a maximum height of 3 floors plus a semi-basement, the applicant following numerous meetings with the Authority and the neighbouring community, reverted to reduce the density of the project.
“The approach adopted was to introduce a mix of dwelling types that partake the existing urban context in the vicinity. The project also involves the design and making of a new street leading onto Triq l-Uqija.
“The commercial block, along Triq Sant Andrija, which leads down towards the Coast Road, will act as a buffer area to the dwellings and apartments that will be developed within the site. This block will have 5 floors with a semi-basement and penthouse.”
The MEPA Board “considered favorably the inclusion of a supermarket within the development since it addresses the existing inconvenience and parking problems associated with the current operations of Greens Supermarket.
“The Board imposed a planning condition, through a public deed, for the applicant to ensure that the Greens Supermarket will cease operations from its existing premises once the new supermarket is fit for operation.”
MEPA concluded by saying that “the Board imposed a condition that an independent monitor must be appointed to ensure that all conditions are adhered to during the construction phase of the project. Additionally, a planning gain of €50,000 has also been imposed, to be used by the Swieqi local council for an embellishment project within the vicinity.”
