The second phase of the Ramla Hotel redevelopment project in Marfa has been given a green light by the “newly appointed” Planning Board.

In a statement, the Planning Authority explained that for this phase, the works will include the demolition of the old part of the hotel and the construction of 396 new rooms, a gym, retail outlets, catering establishments, an indoor pool, multipurpose halls and other ancillary facilities which will be spread over three new buildings.

It said that similar to the design used for Phase 1, the new Ramla Bay will move away from the traditional hotel plan with long corridors leading to a number of rooms distributed on both sides.

“A more organic design is being adopted where the concept of ‘porosity’ will allow for the breaking up of the mass of volume and bring spaces that are usually underused and without natural light, to life throughout the use of central and naturally lit atria,” the Authority said.

The PA went on to say that greenery is a central element also within the atria incorporating soft landscape not only around the complex but also inside it. All three blocks will be interconnected at the lowest levels and open-air bridges will also connect the buildings.

The Board agreed with the Development Management Directorate’s recommendation that for purposes of upgrading and increasing the number of beds, “there is enough justification for a minimal increase in the building footprint, given that this will be carried out within the existing committed boundary of the old hotel.”

In view of its location and size, the Authority said that the project was subject to an Appropriate Assessment (AA) and an EIA which were both assessed by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).

The Planning Authority stated that the AA Report concluded that, following a detailed evaluation of the anticipated impacts and their potential mitigation, “the proposal and associated works are not expected to adversely affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites.”

Additionally, it said the ERA had submitted that “these impacts can be addressed with the thorough implementation of pre-emptive safeguards and construction and operational mitigation measures.’

The Authority said that a number of conditions have been included in the permit to ensure these mitigation measures are adhered to.

Artist impression

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