Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1503087
NEWS 16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 JULY 2023 JAMES DEBONO PLANS to turn the Baia Beach club in Armier into a Buddha bar with new sunbathing and roof- top restaurant facilities, were giv- en thumbs down by the heritage watchdog. The beach bar is located along a concrete platform in close vicinity to the illegal Armier beach rooms and the historical Torri ta' L-Ar- mier Redoubt. After a review of photomon- tages submitted by the developer earlier on this month, the Super- intendence for Cultural Heritage has warned that the proposed development would "result in further clutter" encroaching onto the nearby Torri ta' l-Armier Re- doubt. The SCH concluded that the proposed development is not acceptable in principle, as it will result in a negative visual impact on the scheduled Redoubt and its visual connection with the sea. In a Project Development State- ment submitted last year, the developers said their aim is to upgrade the beach club both in terms of design and in terms of standards and quality of service, thus creating a "contemplating ambience" based on an interna- tional concept. "The aim of Buddha Bar in Ar- mier is to elevate the existing product," by adopting the con- cept of an international franchise "blending the fusion cuisine and a specific music atmosphere to offer a unique experience that is associated with such brand." This requires "a total makeover of the internal ambience and design of the existing beach club." According to the submitted plans patrons will have a choice between sunbathing facilties along the concrete platform right above sea level or moving higher up and sitting on the upper levels of the premises, which will also of- fer food and drink services. The Environment and Resourc- es Authority has issued it "no objection" to the proposed inter- ventions as long as the proposed interventions are limited within the committed footprint and that the concrete platform remains ac- cessible to the public. Moreover, ERA is also insisting that any approved works on the site should "not impede" the fu- ture removal of the concrete plat- form, next to the restaurant. Originally known as the Beach- comber, the restaurant which is located on public land was grant- ed a permit in 1977. No permit was ever issued for the concrete platform which protects the prop- erty from storms and on which sun beds are erected. Back in 1999 the PA had turned down an application to turn a concrete platform in front of the establishment into a sunbed area as this was deemed to be against policies securing public access to the coastline. But this decision was reversed two years later by an appeals tri- bunal on condition that the first 4.5m from the shoreline are not obstructed by any structure and that the government retains the right to remove the structure in any future project to rehabilitate the beach. Heritage watchdog objects to 'Buddha bar' plans in Armier but ERA has no problem