Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1496971
NEWS 7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 12 APRIL 2023 Case officer recommends refusal for new Suq tal-Belt canopies JAMES DEBONO A proposal by Arkadia to remove the existing shading canopies in front of the Suq tal-Belt food court and replace them with two retractable ones has not found any favour with the case officer. The case officer is insisting that the proposed structures do not visually relate to the facade of the Suq tal-Belt which is a Grade 1 scheduled building and the surrounding context. A final decision will be taken by the Planning Authority on 21 April. Furthermore, the proposed canopies are described in the case officer report as being "ob- trusive" and lacking in respect "the amenity of the surrounding third-party properties". Submit- ted photomontages of the pro- posed development indicate that this central area is not being en- cumbered by any structure. The redesigned canopy struc- tures had been previously deemed "acceptable" by the Su- perintendence for Cultural Her- itage, if the central area between the two tents is kept unencum- bered by any structure. But Heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa had strongly objected to the retractable tent structures because these makes it impossi- ble for people to appreciate the aesthetic and architectural qual- ity of the Suq's heritage building. "Such a massive structure that dominates the vistas and blocks views of this Grade 1 scheduled building is completely unaccept- able." The present Suq tal-Belt's can- opy was hit by an enforcement order from the Planning Au- thority in October 2019. The PA said the "permanent" structure had been built without a permit and was obstructing the façade of the scheduled building of the old Valletta market. By subsequently Arkadia filed an appeal to the PA's environ- ment and planning review tribu- nal (EPRT), effectively delaying the removal of the tent structure, which remains in place now for two years – but the owners are currently subject to a daily fine of €50. The appeal against the enforce- ment order issued more than three years ago remains pending with the next sitting scheduled in May. Arkadia had requested in No- vember 2021 that the appeal is deferred until the PA decides on the new canopy application, "following discussions with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and the Planning Au- thority". The new plans foresee the re- moval of the existing shading canopies, and the installation of new canopies with a retractable, beige canvas roof and a different design. The application was also ac- companied by photomontages of the proposed tent structures. Arkadia argued that the awn- ings are not illegal but covered by a development notification permit issued by the PA in 2018 on a site already committed for the erection of chairs and tables. It said its original canopy had to be replaced due to deterio- ration and that it was a hazard to the public. To address these flaws the new structures were installed with additional steel frames to retain the canvas cov- ering, while still respecting the dimensions of the original per- mit. The 2018 permit had a validi- ty of only one year and does not apply to the structures erected in 2019. The DNO permit issued in 2018 also allowed for a "one- time installation of a permanent canopy" within the said area and the permit has since expired ac- cording to the PA. ISPOT, Poland's largest Apple retailer owned by 1923 Investments plc, has final- ised the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Cortland, another prominent Polish Apple Premium Reseller with a chain of 16 stores nationwide and a staff complement of 180. The combined business is expected to generate revenues in excess of €250 mil- lion in 2023. It will boast a network of 47 Apple Premium Resellers and service points in some of the best locations in ma- jor Polish cities with a team of 600 people. iSpot currently operates 31 Apple Premi- um Resellers across Poland, offering inno- vative Apple integration solutions, tech- nical assistance and training to corporate and retail clients, local authorities, schools and universities. Cortland stores will be re- branded iSpot within 12 months. With its extended structure, the busi- ness will enjoy significant competitive advantages: the combination of iSpot's leadership in Apple retail sales and Cort- land's healthy B2B portfolio, and greater opportunities to extend the store network to bring the Apple brand closer to its fans and to new catchment populations. Later this year, the business will open Apple Pre- mium Partner stores, a new retail initiative launched by Apple to develop large stores in partnership with franchisees. 1923 Investments is the investment arm of Hili Ventures Ltd. The acquisition of Cortland aligns with 1923 Investments' strategy to achieve growth by acquisition which allows the company to extend its portfolio, grow in sectors in which it can optimise occupancy, and scale market presence successfully and sustainably. "Both iSpot and Cortland are enjoying strong sales growth, and this is an exciting opportunity to maximise our commercial potential," 1923 Investments Chief Execu- tive Officer Keith Busuttil said. "Together, iSpot and Cortland will bring to market an unmatched portfolio of Apple and third party products, backed by an extensive inventory and marketing support. The scale and the scope of the new business will bring about opportunities for further growth, particularly in the education sec- tor and in B2B. The company will also become Poland's number one Authorised Service Provider." "Our management team is excited to welcome everyone at Cortland into our fold," iSpot Chief Executive Officer Dari- usz Zajakala added. "We are looking for- ward to bringing the iSpot and Cortland teams and networks together to elevate our offering to our retail and B2B custom- ers. All our people will be key drivers in the success of the combined business, and we are committed to invest in them to secure our collective growth." 1923 Investments' Polish Apple retailer iSpot acquires Apple Premium Reseller Cortland