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MALTATODAY 29 October 2023

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10 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 OCTOBER 2023 Dolmen Hotel set to get lido with two kiosks on promenade Shopping village developers asked to pay for Ghaxaq roundabout upgrade Local plan rules out development of new kiosks on Bugibba promenade, but case officer recommends approval because the project envisages an extension of the promenade JAMES DEBONO THE Dolmen Hotel's plans to build two kiosks on top of two pool deck levels and two restau- rants along the Buġibba prome- nade are set for approval. The new structures will replace the current Amazonia lido situat- ed between the Dolmen Hotel and Bugibba's perched beach. The major stumbling block for the project proposed by the Tu- mas Group was a policy inserted in the local plan, which emphati- cally states that "no permanent or temporary structures" should be permitted on the promenade and the foreshore. The policy aims to ensure that views onto the bay, particularly of St Paul's Islands, are not obstructed. When notified about this poli- cy, the developers argued that the project is acceptable because it also involves a 900sq.m extension to the promenade over and above the lower levels of the lido. Moreover, the developers argued that the outlets will be screened with planters to shield the built volumes from the public kerb. The remaining open spaces are designed in a way "to preserve the view towards St Paul's Islands." The case officer agreed with this statement, noting that the pro- posal will result in an improved tourist attraction, an upgrade of pedestrian and public spaces, improved walkways along the promenade, and an "increase and enhancement" of the public walk- way along the seaside part of the site. Furthermore, according to the case officer, the permeability towards the sea is being increased since most of the proposed struc- tures will be built with "clear glaz- ing," while the existing copper roof cladding of the Amazonia complex, which is visible from the promenade, will be removed. The proposal envisions the cre- ation of three different levels. The promenade level that will include two kiosks with outside tables, a lift structure, and a public open space. Two restaurants with indoor and outdoor areas, a water sports area, and a pool deck are proposed on a second lower level beneath the promenade. A third level located below the restaurants will include showers, toilets, changing rooms, a 60sq.m children's pool, and a massive 370sq.m adults' pool. As proposed, the area for pool decks will increase from the current 360sq.m to 1,960sq.m. Presently, the Amazonia com- plex includes two swimming pools with terraces and pool decks, a covered outdoor restaurant, water sports facilities, a hall, and a bar/ club. The complex is linked to the hotel through an underground passage beneath Dawret Il-Gżejj- er. Currently, the complex does not include any structures at the promenade level. The St Paul's Bay Local Coun- cil is objecting to the proposed development on the promenade. A final decision on the project is scheduled for 8 November. JAMES DEBONO TRANSPORT Malta does not object to new roundabout in front of a proposed shopping mall in Ghaxaq but wants the developer to pay for the works. The roundabout is being proposed instead of a traffic lights junction on Tal-Barrani road at the intersection be- tween Zejtun and the Schembri Barbros plant. Schembri Barbros is proposing to transform its batching plant next to the Lidl supermarket along Tal-Barrani Road into a large retail complex. To fa- cilitate access to and from the proposed shopping village, a roundabout is being suggested instead of the existing traffic lights junction. Transport Malta has given the green light for the construction of the round- about but has made it clear that the cost of the new infrastructure must be paid by the developer. Studies show that higher traffic vol- umes generated by the proposed retail and leisure park will require a two-lane roundabout instead of the traffic lights. The shopping village is being pro- posed by Anton Schembri of Schembri Barbros Ltd instead of industrial garag- es and a concrete batching plant that occupies 23,520sq.m of land. In its feedback on the plans presented by the developers Transport Malta has issued its conditions for the proposed development namely that the new roundabout must be completed before works on the shopping mall start and that the "expenses are to be fully borne by the developer." Moreover, TM has asked the devel- oper to present a separate planning application for the proposed infrastruc- tural works which will require endorse- ment by both Infrastructure Malta and Transport Malta. The developer has also been asked to present a green transport plan detailing the provision of sustainable alternatives to car use. According to the latest plans the retail and leisure complex will be built over three floors (10.5m) on a footprint of 14,220sq.m. Two levels of underground parking are set to accommodate 1,014 parking spaces. Apart from shops, the village will in- clude a 2,500sq.m underground gym- nasium and a 700sq.m childcare centre set on the second level. The upper floor will include 7,000sq.m of food and bev- erage outlets. The project envisages a total floor area of 18,700sq.m dedicated to retail. The existing Lidl supermarket will be retained. The Project Development Statement submitted by the developers, states that the aim of the project is to provide "a landmark retail and leisure park" which will be "the first one of its size and con- cept in the south of Malta". The PDS says the construction of a new roundabout to improve junction flows is essential for the development of the shopping village. The document refers to plans by In- frastructure Malta to upgrade the junc- tion. "Infrastructure Malta intends to up- grade this junction to a two-lane round- about with slip roads connecting Triq Tal-Barrani with Triq Vjal il-25 ta' No- vembru, which will also permit access to the commercial complex," the docu- ment says. The modifications required also in- clude the widening of lanes to 8m, and an increase in the entry width of the dif- ferent arms of the junction. Plans submitted online do not indicate any take-up of surrounding agricultural land. No application has been submit- ted so far by Infrastructure Malta for the proposed road works.

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