Environmental NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar believes the Selmun Palace Hotel should be renovated as a high-end venue instead of adding an extra wing to it.
The organisation argued that the authorities should be consistent to give “more added value” to the building rather “than cutting down trees to make the hotel more affordable to run”.
The possibility of adding an extra wing forms part of a policy framework that the government has asked the planning authority to consider.
Through a public consultation process, the authority is asking for feedback on the proposed objectives for the hotel, which surrounds a tower dating back to the Knights, for a “specific planning and development policy framework”. The redevelopment of the hotel is also being considered.
The authority seems to have forgotten that Selmun Tower is a Grade 1 listed building
“This request is being made in line with the government’s policy to facilitate the growth of the tourism industry and promote a quality tourism product,” the planning authority said.
However, FAA said quality tourists were attracted by the very tennis courts and gardens that a new wing will destroy. The Selmun Palace Hotel extensions had been accompanied by strong public outcry but at least the developers had the sense to “create an open structure, keeping the castle relatively unobstructed and ensuring that the new wings had open views”.
Building a third wing would not only destroy the hotel grounds but also obstruct views of an imposing coastal fortification, it said.
It said the authority seemed to have forgotten that Selmun Tower was a Grade 1 listed building. The law stipulates that: “Demolition or alterations, which impair the setting or change the external or internal appearance, including anything contained within the curtilage of the building, will not be allowed.”
One of the proposed objectives is to identify the range and mix of “acceptable land uses” in the site “provided that a top quality tourism related facility” will take up the build of the development.
The rehabilitation or “total redevelopment” of the building would also be “favourably” considered as long as the new building did not exceed the new built footprint – excluding the scheduled palace – and does not exceed the overall height of the existing buildings.
Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis told Parliament the government would be announcing a solution for a “competitive process” leading to the renewal of operation of the Selmun Palace Hotel within the next few months. The government and Air Malta, which owns the property, have made a number of efforts to sell the hotel over the years without success.
The majestic Selmun Castle, originally built by the Knights of St John in 1783, was designed by Duminku Cachia in 1619. The castle is often described as the baroque version of Verdala Palace at Buskett Gardens.
Those interested can send their feedback to: Director of Planning, Planning Policy for Selmun Palace Hotel Site, Mepa, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana or e-mail selmun.policy@mepa.org.mt by May 8.