Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1363129
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 APRIL 2021 NEWS JAMES DEBONO PLANS for an imposing 10-sto- rey block in the car park of the former Naxxar trade fair grounds have been scrapped, af- ter the developers withdrew the application. The decision comes five months after a Planning Author- ity board meeting during which chairman Vince Cassar – who previously criticised the suit- ability of high-rise in the area – asked the developers wheth- er they were willing to change plans in view of widespread op- position. Now the developers have sub- mitted another application, the details of which are yet not avail- able on the Planning Authority's public information system. The reason given as to why de- tails of the new proposal are still under wraps is that the applica- tion has not been "fully submit- ted". MaltaToday is informed that the new application does not foresee the use of the Floor Ar- ea Ratio mechanism, which al- lows higher buildings double the height limited by the local plan if half the area is allocated for open spaces. During the November 2020 meeting, developer Jean Borg had warned that his group would either get a Tigné-style project, or face having to "build the whole area... with a horrid build- ing looking like a government housing estate". Borg fronts SPTT Properties Limited, a company that in- cludes Dutch business group Wygron Beheer, hotelier Ian Decesare's Sonnet Inv, Ab Initio Limited, JND properties, L.A. Developments, J&J Holdings, IN Space, as well as other independ- ent property owners and also le- gal consultants. Project architect Christian Spi- teri said Borg could have opted for a "conventional" sprawl of 30 low-rise blocks with limited pub- lic open space; and that high-rise was the only way to retain more open space. He also claimed the project was 'inspired' by artist Esprit Barthet's depiction of the Maltese skyline. The 10-storey block would lie just 70m away from the Grade 1 schedule Palazzo Parisio and the Naxxar urban conservation area. "How can we approve a monstrosity next to the UCA?" Naxxar mayor Anne Marie Mus- cat Fenech Adami had asked, warning of the project's visibility from the recently-restored his- torical windmill of Naxxar. A social impact assessment has shown 74% of Naxxar is against the 113-residential unit block, which was to include a 253-space underground garage, together with supermarket, res- taurants, offices, day-care centre and gymnasium. Despite the widespread op- position, including that of PA board members, the project was defended by the PA's executive chairman Martin Saliba. Saliba said the project was the result of "months of discussions" be- tween the PA and the develop- ers, and warned the area will face the same traffic impact with a conventional development that lacks open spaces. "We are going towards something innovative, rather than the usual medioc- rity," Saliba said, defending the project as being "balanced". Naxxar is not identified as a high-rise site, and 'medium rise' developments of up to 10 sto- reys are allowed on sites of over 4,000sq.m surrounded by exist- ing or proposed streets. No such development is allowed inside UCAs, or high-lying areas like Naxxar which is 126m above sea level. The Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage and the PA's own cultural heritage advisory com- mittee warned of the massive visual impact on the urban sky- lines of Mosta and Naxxar when viewed from various viewpoints, such as Mdina. "The impact is such as to chal- lenge the scenic significance of the parish churches of Mosta and Naxxar... the massive vol- ume as proposed will also dwarf the historical chapel of St. Jacob the Apostle and will divorce it totally from the context, oblite- rating its legibility," the Superin- tendence said. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Naxxar high-rise withdrawn, but new plans are in the offing MaltaToday is informed that the new application does not foresee the use of the Floor Area Ratio mechanism, which allows higher buildings double the height limited by the local plan if half the area is allocated for open spaces. During a November 2020 meeting, developer Jean Borg had warned that his group would either get a Tigné-style project, or face having to "build the whole area... with a horrid building looking like a government housing estate" Malta Enterprise is engaging personnel on a contract for service for the Malta Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, being held between 1st October 2021 and 31st March 2022. is is a great opportunity to be part of this exciting event and to live the Expo experience. e hosts will be the first point of contact at the Malta Pavilion and will be responsible for welcoming, assisting and communicating with visitors while ensuring that Malta's image is promoted in the best possible way. e hosts will also be responsible for other administrative support at the pavilion as necessary. e hosts must be proficient in Maltese and English. Proficiency in additional languages one preferably being Arabic, will be an asset. Interested applicants are to send a covering letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Malta, Malta Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai and which is to include a detailed CV outlining academic qualifications and work experience on email peopleandculture@maltaenterprise.com e closing date for application is Friday 30th April at 17:00 hrs. Late applications will not be accepted. Soliciting will automatically disqualify any applicant. Hosts for Malta Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai