MEPA approves Mistra development

Joseph Caruana

Jun 25th 2008, 08:45

Always better from an empty housing estate ...

J. Borg

Jun 14th 2008, 14:32

GonziPN environment type of thing!

mark tanti

Jun 7th 2008, 21:59

Why are you people against high building ? we should have started building high years ago not now. Is it not better to built high instead of building on vergin land. Besides this building replaced another building. Are you all pretending to stop each and every developement because of its height. ?

Stanley Cassar Darien

Jun 7th 2008, 21:53

It is indeed sad that so many people think that one needs to build apartments to have any sort of progress and for an area to become competitive.

There is one very simple solution to all of this in my humble opinion and that is to tax developers or home owners who own vacant property and use this money to help people restore older properties.

Any development should at least be finished properly with windows etc. We need to stop people buying or building as an investment and then just sit back and watch their vacant property slowly creep up in value. There was a lot that could have been done on Mistra hill of course esp with the new park opening soon. Eco travel is really growing in popularity all over Europe and a lot of tourists and Maltese would enjoy the Mistra, Ghajn Tuffieha and Selmun areas. It is a pity that just cause a couple of projects have worked quite well, we feel the need to copy and paste all over the rest of Malta and Gozo.

Abel Abela

Jun 7th 2008, 19:31

Mistra proves yet again that Malta's bright future lies in teaching Europeans the true meaning of the word redevelopment.
Stop moaning, the project has been scaled down.
The country's progress is no longer wishful thinking - it is now concrete.
Whatever you can do, we can do better.
And thank you Mr Prime Minister for taking Mepa under your helm.
You achievements are huge - and concrete.

D Wells

Jun 7th 2008, 16:27

It appears that the line of argument is that 1,300 units with no open space is more environmentally friendly than 850 units with buildings covering one third of the site and extensive landscaped and open areas and that 1,300 units will generate less traffic than 850 units - am I missing something?

Daniel Bonello

Jun 7th 2008, 10:16

Is this the MEPA reform that nationalists were boasting about 3 months ago?

Besides, I am utterly disgusted with the people approving with this project. Ironically these same people were first to comment on any hunting related articles! If this project is considered by yourselves to be sustainable then what is not?

Do not tell me spring hunting cos the latest study (ie carried out 2 wks ago) still show that turtle doves and quail are of least concern!

The newly approved project will simply continue to ruin Malta's already destroyed ecosystem! We have destroyed the south do not destroy the north too!

Jo said

Jun 7th 2008, 00:10

@ Joe Borg

What a way to spin things around. Do not blame the police commissioner for allowing a free for all, standing by and idly watching the fight......... blame the naughty crowd. Then go home and settle for the mess they do inside your abode. This is the ultimate in topsy topsy thinking. Summon the lateral thinker, Debono, is it?

Joe Borg

Jun 6th 2008, 21:10

@Claire Bonello I never said it was a godsend and I explicity stated I am against high rise especially on a ridge. However in this case, there are various blocks of eight stories. If you've never seen them, you must never have passed up Xemxija hill or you go through there with your eyes closed.

All I really meant was stop blaming MEPA for everything and start putting the blame where it should be placed such as at the project's architect for one and the owners for another. MEPA is a great scapegoat for everybody, and while it does not work perfectly (far from it) at least it's much better than the PAPB before it. Get everyone's notice that the Structure Plan is outdated and compiled by foreigners with no previous idea of Malta for a start! And what about the Local Plans being changed by people who have no idea of planning? And ruining them for all of us and our descendants for God knows how long . . .that's what people should notice. Politcs should have no part in planning!

Claire Bonello

Jun 6th 2008, 19:18

Portomaso has nothing much to do with it. Even if we all had to agree that Portomaso is the ultimate in cutting edge architecture (we don't) it doesn't necessarily follow that if one Portomosa development is good, than a hundred similar developments will be a hundred times better - especially if the countries infrastructure doesn't complement the development.
To all those of you who are getting terribly excited about all this foreign investment swishing our way, you seem to exclude the possibility of foreign cash being invested in something less aesthetically offensive and which will create less traffic chaos.

K Pillow

Jun 6th 2008, 17:39

Dear all, I would like to ask all commenting against the development, if when you go out for a drink you ever go to Portomaso, and enjoy it ? Be honest with yourself, aren't we all very happy with the area of Portomaso? When you have relatives, friends and/or business partners over in Malta, where do you take them? Proud of the island, most of us would choose Valletta, Birgu or Mdina, all manmade architecture masterpieces. I also include Portomaso in my itinerary. I know most of you do too! Architecture is history, its our environment, its the mood of the country. We are going through regeneration... Stop complaining, please lets go for it ! Lets build a modern, clean and organised 21st century country.

Jo said

Jun 6th 2008, 16:58

@Romina Attard and D Grech

So it is simply simple for you guys. Af it is foreign investment, then you would also allow God knows what? Inceridble but true, it so seems, that there are still folk like you who think the old and disgusting way. Anything foreign is fine and dandy, isn't it? The would be developers are rolling on the floor, laughing at your mentality. BTW, who said the funds are foreign? Ahhhh, the developers... and you believe them. Take a walk and socialise, perhaps you'd come to.

D. Grech

Jun 6th 2008, 16:16

Gentlemen, honestly I cannot understand all this fuss.....new investment into Malta's economy, wider choice of homes, more foreigners buying property in Malta, ripple effects from such construction which are endless, re-embellishment of the present area.

We Maltese are always good at pointing fingers, but honestly I took a look at the EIA report prior to giving my views and these people are truly after Sustainable development. Sustainability is no buzz word, and it is evident from the report that the directorate took no short measures, but all necessary precautions in preserving historical sites in the area, together with social and economic issues.

Claire Bonello

Jun 6th 2008, 16:09

@ Edgar Gatt. I don't know if this is my old friend Edgar Gatt of the letter's pages who once suggested that my being slapped for passing an innocuous comment was not punishment enough. No matter, back to MEPa and the Fort Cambridge decision. Yesterday there was no amending of plans from 23 storeys to 16 storeys. Yesterday MEPA put off a final decision on the Fort Cambridge issue because the Board probably realised that it had got itself into a dreadful muddle by giving outline permission for 23 storeys which was illegal and against the development brief. This would have made the Board members personally responsible. Even if the Fort Cambridge decision was a partial (hard-fought) victory for common sense, it doesnt justify the Mistra case. This has nothing much to do with Alfred Sant, Mr Gatt, please stop obsessing - it's not healthy

Claire Bonello

Jun 6th 2008, 16:00

@ Joe Borg. I have been on site and seen the plans and know exactly where the Banana Boomerang project is to be sited. So what if Mistra was run down? How does that justify a bigger, far more visible monstrosity to take its place? How will more residential units help out the traffic congestion in the area? Note that it was the Mistra Village which was run down - something which was attributable to the owners and not to the complainants who could not have prevented it becoming so. In any case, just because someone was not present at the public hearing ( I have given up on these faux exercises in consultation which are ignored anyway) does not mean that the project is a godsend

Joe Borg

Jun 6th 2008, 13:57

Have you ANY idea where this proposal is? It is located instead of the Mistra village development which is completely run-down and has been for a number of years.

I am against high rise, but at least I was present at the PUBLIC hearing? Where were all you people now complaining?

Claire Bonello

Jun 6th 2008, 13:30

@Geoffrey Said - I'm afraid you don't have a clue about the traffic situation which is one of utter chaos and congestion on weekends. How will adding some 856 residential units make that better. And please, please don't go on about this "disturbed land" nonsense - Mistra was low-rise and visually unobtrusive - these Banana Boomerang Towers won't be.

Nick Borg

Jun 6th 2008, 12:59

If 868 good quality apartments are considered too much for the former Mistra Village site, I ask what would the reaction be if the developers would have proceeded with a simpler and much easier conventional development, allowing up to 1400 apartments to be build over the entire build up area ? I guess some of us have a vision for the island ..

D. Grech

Jun 6th 2008, 12:56

Members of the commercial community in Xemxija and the local council have welcomed and supported the Mistra Heights development. This will certainly raise the standard of accommodation in the area, bringing a high level of residents, including foreigners, apart from providing new public facilities and generating new business in the area.

Romina Attard

Jun 6th 2008, 12:02

The Mistra Heights development represents a significant foreign investment in Malta, which will have an enornous ripple effect on the economy. Hopefully the government will proceed with the Xemxija marina development so that we will attract more tourist (boat lovers) to Malta.

John Portelli

Jun 6th 2008, 11:42

Not a problem at all, this project will add an other 868 units for sale to the other 70,000 or so already for sale. All this not taking into consideration the other colossal project already under construction.
If one had to carry out a risk analysis based on the current and long term situation, I am quite sure one would reconsider the viability of these mega project's sustainability. The only logical explanation I can see is that once the sea water level rises by .5metre in 15 to 25 years time, these high building will have a golden opportunity!
Well done Mr. Calleja, your long term vision is unmatchable.
So, you see, he does have some common sense after all!

I. Brown

Jun 6th 2008, 11:36

I mean, the ink on Calleja's proposals and resignation letter have hardly dried, and we are sitting hear to read more of the same.

No, Mr Said, it's not a question of growing up. You have an eyesore, you replace it with a park not create another eyesore. The NGO's are against it and I think their reasons are not based on distaste for progress or developers. I think their reasons are quite valid, irrespective of what the MEPA bureaucracy deems as acceptable.

But there again, we are talking about the same MEPA that irked so many before the elections.

g portelli

Jun 6th 2008, 10:56

Is this why Andrew Calleja did not resign with immediate effect?!
Should we call this The Andrew Calleja Memorial?

B Buhagiar

Jun 6th 2008, 10:56

Finally at least Xemxija area is going to be regenerated to the level it deserves. A development like this seems to be commited to high standards, and by the way has anyone mentioned the fact that a third of the area of the former Mistra Village complex will now be all open to the public. Besides, the extensive landscaping that the developers are committed to create in the area which will surely create a 'green lung' instead of the uniformed concrete buildings that we are accustomed to. Had the developers opt for a conventional development this landscaping and open public spaces will surely not be available to anyone. This surely shows a sense of social responsibility from the developers side.

Ben grech

Jun 6th 2008, 10:46

How such a monstrous project got the go ahead is shameful. I hope that Gonzi will 'eventually' make good on his promise to help prevent future monstrosities from seeing the light of day. Till then I pray he spares us the elaborate speeches and press conferences regarding MEPA reform, till things really do change. Talk is cheap.

Jo Said

Jun 6th 2008, 10:06

@Geoffrey Said
Please do not mislead the readers. The Mistra Village Hotel NEVER had any eight storey buildings. The highest was three storeys and a semi basement. Is this what the hijacked PN teaches you to say? I'm afraid that people of your ilk miss the wood for the trees. Or is it that you are one of the blue eyed boys? In which case shame on you too.
What a different attitude to the original developers'. There's n comparison whatsoever. Now its a monster standing on a ridge overlooking yet another would be Spin. Ask JPO.

Jonathan Cassar

Jun 6th 2008, 08:32

Mr Said....are you sure that "was already a holiday complex with at least 6 to 7 storey buildings", because I think that one of us needs a new pair of glasses!!!!! Can you please show me a photo of a 6 storey building that was there? The maximum height was of 4 storeys if I'm not mistaken. People like you who are always defending the destruction of our once beautiful island make me sick!

edgar gatt

Jun 6th 2008, 08:26

Critics are very quick to comment about the rape of this development. All one has to do is watch the skyline from Xemxija bay and see the 8 and 9 storey buildings all along the ridge. This shall be in line with the rest. At least it is not going to be build on virgin land. It is not a question of being fooled by Gonzi as Jo Said said.This application has been going on for ages. Does Jo Said think that if his friend Alfred Sant was elected, with all the confusion that we are now seeing in his party, that he would have stopped this development. Yesterday the Tigne project was amended from 23 storeys to 16. Of course no Claire Bonellos or Jo Saids gave us their comments.

Adrian Grima

Jun 6th 2008, 08:18

This has nothing to do with "progress" or "sustainable development." This is about becoming filthy rich to the detriment of the rest of us, and future generations.

Geoffrey Said

Jun 6th 2008, 07:38

Can we please grow up!

The site was already a holiday complex with at least 6 to 7 storey buildings. When it was closed it remained as an eye sore. I agree that we re-develop on already disturbed ground rather then seek fresh pastures. As for traffic, Xemixja is the main route for all travelers that want to go to Gozo, Ghadira, Mellieha, etc. Therefore this project will not change a lot.

I would like to point out that everyone was complaining when Ministers were involved in building permits in the 80s as this was seen as a 'Hbieb ghall hbieb' practise. This is why Mepa was set up to control such abuse. Now people here are suggesting the the prime minister should meddle with things. This will undermine Mepa authorities. There are policies and these should be followed by all submitted projects. If the policies need changing then that is a different story.

Miriam Galea

Jun 6th 2008, 02:56

The country is really getting what it deserves. A vote is a vote is a vote.

Saviour Sam Agius

Jun 6th 2008, 01:11

This area is full of archaeological remains from Punic and Roman times. In fact, right behind this proposed project there's a Roman road that is still intact with the sewage system and all. There are plenty of Punic tombs as well in the area and much more.

David Farrugia

Jun 6th 2008, 01:09

People sowed on March 8th....now they reap.

john zammit

Jun 6th 2008, 01:00

By any chance... Does this land belongs also to JPO?? I don't think so because if it was so Alfred sant and his doggy jason would have come out and say "this is a scandal", "din tinten" etc etc etc...

Louis Spiteri

Jun 6th 2008, 00:48

MEPA = Monstrous Edifices Patently Approved

Jo Said

Jun 6th 2008, 00:34

Do you recall my criticism of the man called Gonzi, back in January this year? Who was he trying to fool when he stated that he would monitor MEPA directly? Was not that already the case when Pullicino failed so miserably? Gonzi used to sanction all big projects, anyway. They all had to be sanctioned by the cabinet.
47% of the electorate were fooled by the Gonzi/PN tandem. Pity is that, in as much as the people get what they deserve, the majority is being governed by the minority. And waste-our-land it is.
Meanwhile, shame on you Andrew Calleja.

Alex Borg

Jun 5th 2008, 23:38

Shame, shame, shame. Again it is the age old problem of no law on the public funding of political parties. The rest is for everyone to conclude.

Karen M. Zammit Manduca

Jun 5th 2008, 23:07

What a pity! What a shame! In 2005 statistics showed that there were around 53,000 vacant properties on the islands, and in the interim MEPA approvals totalled about 35,000 more. How can a mega development like this be justified? Already many, many areas of new developments are sporting more 'For Sale' signs in windows rather than curtains. Why are we going to add more? Vacant properties are uncared for resulting in pockets of dirty, unkempt facades all over the islands which are beginning to look like slums. It's crazy that Malta has been trying to clean up slums in areas where they were rampant, but now we are simply relocating them!
I believe the impact assessment related to this development also mentioned the strains this will exert on the road network in the area, which is already a problem especially at weekends when it can take up to two hours to get from Mellieha to Sliema on a Sunday evening. Who would consider purchasing a property there when aware of the traffic situation? It would be sheer madness!
What about the rich cultural heritage in the area? The Roman road and baths, the dwelling caves, apiaries and cart ruts?

JOHN SCERRI

Jun 5th 2008, 23:02

Yet another eyesore to observe from far away and to make it worse on a high ridge.
The prime minister was to take over responsability of MEPA reform - Seems like MEPA is resisting this reform.
So the prime minister should put his foot down and dictate other than delegate what must be done.
It goes to prove that what I had suggested months ago - 'all Mepa high rank officials must be replaced starting from the highest post - in order for a new reform to function'

There are too many pending issues + decisions + measures going on in this country right now and it seems authorities are trying to do too much in an Impossible Time Frame .
This will only lead to an uncontrollable situation with no one directly carrying the responsability .
It's Time for cabinet to meet up and create a clear followup picture of what is happening.

The priority 1 issue at this point in time should be what effect will removal of the price freeze have on consumer power and how will the government act to combat inflation after end of June 2008.

Marisa Ellul

Jun 5th 2008, 22:19

Some of you people are crazy! I'm sure most of you don't know anything about this project. I think it would be wise to first make some research before complaining blindly. I live close to Mistra and work in Xemxija and most of the community wants this exciting project to come as soon as possible. It will bring back business here.

Claire Bonello

Jun 5th 2008, 22:16

I hate to point this out but, before the election, the PM needed the votes of people who held the environment close to heart. Now that he's got those votes and secured another 5 years in office, what incentive is there to keep those pre-electoral promises? There is no mechanism or controlling factor to stop similar decisions being taken by MEPA. Sad but true. People do get the government they deserve - one with absolutely no green credentials.
@stephen borg cardona - Mistra is not spoilt and built up. We're talking about a place which previously had unobtrusive, barely visible low rise buildings. See if you can avoid the new monstrosity from marring the landscape.

P Mizzi

Jun 5th 2008, 21:59

Whether we like it or not we cannot stop progress! Would you build an eco park if it was your millions invested in that land? This is private property that's already been built, it's not a green area or anything like that. If they cannot build there, then where can they build? Would we have been better off if it was all sold off as plots to then take decades to develop into a multitude of little units? I don't think so. I much prefer a quality development that has committed to high benchmarks and will regenerate the locality when complete. Plus the developer is protecting the cultural heritage in the vicinity and every single shrub that's worth protecting on site.

We cannot stop progress. What we can do is mitigate any possible negative effects. This is what sustainable development means. Whoever is saying we should stop all development is simply dreaming. This particular project has been up and down at Mepa for some four or five years, they've changed the designs many times to meet feedback, done serious studies and committed to keep to very stringent guidelines.

We want sustainable development and that's what this is.

laurence schembri

Jun 5th 2008, 21:52

@ Architect Edwin Mintoff
What exactly are MEPA policies?
Another blot on the landscape? Please wake up to reality, you are witnessing a little Island going to the dogs.

A. Camilleri

Jun 5th 2008, 21:30

What is a decision taken against public opinion by an authocratic organisation representing the Government called? DEMOCRATIC
Sant'Antnin recycling plant ............. lest it be forgotten

stephen borg cardona

Jun 5th 2008, 21:13

I'd much rather they build on a spot thats already spoilt like Mistra Village rather than on an unspoilt place like Ramla in Gozo. However i do think that the outgoing board has been responsible for a few dodgy decisions over the past few weeks especially in Gozo. Hopefully there will be a serious review of the decisions taken over the last six months.

Maria Gatt

Jun 5th 2008, 21:09

Worse than disgusting. It's sinful. Is this the promise we were given that the environment will be saved?Who is filling all those households? Please leave us some open space in between the concrete blocks. SHAME SHAME SHAME.

Maria Dolores Fenech

Jun 5th 2008, 21:07

@J Mifsud
The PM is already acting. This is neither the first nor the last monstrosity we are going to read about. Now the PM has no excuse, he is directly responsible for MEPA, with his 'par idejn sodi'. But as you can see, nothing is going to change!
Shame!

C. Micallef

Jun 5th 2008, 21:03

Malta direly needs a strong environmental agenda. 8 storey buildings in Mistra?
Could Prime Minister Gonzi give 5 objective reasons why we would need another Bugibba at such a pristine location?

J.Bonnici

Jun 5th 2008, 21:00

So this must be one of Lawrence Gonzi's famous three pillars. I wonder what the other two are going to be!

Jason Borg

Jun 5th 2008, 20:50

Has our Prime Minister lost his pre-election environmental zeal already? Keep your promise and stop this madness. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

Steven Bonello

Jun 5th 2008, 20:46

This must be Andrew Calleja's MEPA's last (and alas lasting) misguided gift to the nation. What a shame for the man to exit on such a high (rise). The PM's promised reform of MEPA looks more and more jaded

James A. Tyrrell

Jun 5th 2008, 20:34

The fact that Andrew Calleja has resigned is just a beginning. This whole authority needs to resign before they destroy the entire country. How can any authority with the protection of the environment as part of its remit approve such a thing?
When Gonzi said that he was going to make changes at Mepa he obviously meant that he was going to hasten the destruction of the country!

philip pace

Jun 5th 2008, 20:31

Welcome to the circus.
A simple and direct question to the Prime Minister.
As you said before the elections that now Mepa falls under your office, I ask you, ' Have you approved this or have you seen the plans?'
Whatever the answer is, the citizens shall judge you.
So please don't treat us like fools.
A simple answer is required.

Ivan Galea

Jun 5th 2008, 20:24

SHAME ON YOU MEPA.....A confirmation that in the end nothing will change with this Gonzi thing...but what you could expect from this authority which is responsible for the uglification of Malta and turning it into a concrete jungle....well in the end just as you do not expect monkeys to drive cars likewise do not expect MEPA to be a guardian of the environment but a protector of the building industry!!

Dion Borg

Jun 5th 2008, 20:18

When along the years, politicians, governments and what remains of MEPA will admit that this decision was at best short-sighted and at worse orchestrated....WHO will shoulder the responsibility and bear the liability for damages?
We need to know now!

Charles Camilleri

Jun 5th 2008, 20:17

Disgusting. These unnecessary high buildings have ruined all Malta. There is no place for them in this tiny island. This is the opinion of everyone including many foreigners. Their only purpose is to enrich the pockets of the speculators. I thought that now we have a new beginning at Mepa. Perhaps i am asking too much. i do not know.

J. Mifsud

Jun 5th 2008, 20:11

DISGUSTING!!! UTTERLY DISGUSTING!!!! Am I living in a civilised country or cuckoo land?

Dear Prime Minister, act now..Please use your power to revoke this dreadful decision. A beautiful landscape is being raped. This will truly add to the already chaotic traffic situation in that area.

Members of Parliament, ACT NOW before it is too late in the day. For once, join forces and halt this nonsense.

Claire Bonello

Jun 5th 2008, 19:54

@R Caruana. Just because MEPA has approved a highrise horror consisting of over 800 apartments, it doesn't mean it should have compounded its mad mistaken rush to have Malta covered in concrete by approving a noisy disco. Having some glittery disco balls doesnt help you know

Claire Bonello

Jun 5th 2008, 18:25

Here we go again. More monstrosities at Mistra. Was this the outgoing MEPA Board's last decision? If so, it is a fitting legacy and a unique reminder of the way MEPA "contained urban sprawl" (as per Andrew Calleja). At least there were no claims as to how a highrise development on a ridge would improve the aesthetic value of the place.

Martin Debono

Jun 5th 2008, 18:00

Outright DISGUSTING !!!!

Yes, let us build more, more, more.... lets us waste more energy, let us have more light polution, more dust, more destruction of our landscape... list goes on and on...

Instead of use this area to have direct access to Mizieb, make it into an ECO animal park, bird watching tours at Mizieb etc... no sorry,

WE WANT CONCRETE !!!!
WE WANT CONCRETE !!!!
WE WANT CONCRETE !!!!

R. Caruana

Jun 5th 2008, 17:47

Cor! 868 apartments!! That's a whole village.

And then there was a massive rumpus on an application for an open-air disco for 400 people!

Martin Galea De Giovanni

Jun 5th 2008, 17:41

..just the perfect gift to our nation on World Environment day - thank you MEPA for being so spineless