The project developer wants to add two more floors to the Embassy complex in Valletta to house a boutique hotel. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A decision over whether to convert parts of Valletta’s Embassy shopping complex to a boutique hotel has been postponed for fresh architectural plans to be submitted.

According to the minutes of a planning commission meeting, the architect has to show that the external shell will be retained as well as other proposed changes.

The application is for a change of use for part of level two of the complex into hotel facilities and a breakfast room, and to change the use of levels five and six, currently housing cinema halls, into hotel rooms.

It also requests two more floors for more rooms and a rooftop pool with related amenities, including a bar. The decision was scheduled for Tuesday but has been postponed to next month.

The minutes also state that the roof plan has to include services and lift space while the staircase should not exceed those approved in previous applications. The plans’ elevations needed amending “to show better Urban Conservation Area proportions and materials in correct colour coding”.

The plan is to add a 40-room hotel to the complex’s 15 shops, commercial bingo hall, gaming parlour, coffee shop and six movie theatres.

The case officer who reviewed the request is recommending refusal since the proposed two floors will have a negative impact on the streetscape and skyline and ran contrary to policies in the structure plan and the Grand Harbour Local Plan. He said the development would detract from the overall objectives of the structure plan for preserving and enhancing buildings in an urban conservation area such as Valletta.

He had pointed out that the complex was already one of the tallest buildings overlooking Marsamxett Harbour and dominated the skyline.

“The proposed additional two floors with the pool bar and stairwell at roof level would further increase the height of the building and therefore increase the negative impact of this building on Valletta’s skyline,” he said.

The applicant’s architect had already revised the drawings to tackle the issue mentioned but the case officer said this did not address matters “satisfactorily”.