Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547312
12 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS IL-ĠIMGĦA FL-9.45PM FUQ TVM+ Old Floriana power station targeted for hotel and boutique apartments VALLETTA Cruise Port is seek- ing planning permission to con- vert Floriana's historic former power station into a hotel and boutique apartments. The plans also include res- toration works and the con- struction of two new structures within the existing height. The application (PA/07439/26) covers the complex at Xatt Pinto, beneath Crucifix Hill, which forms part of the Valletta Waterfront. It proposes restoring and reha- bilitating the façades, includ- ing the provision of stone re- lieving arches above openings, changing the use of the existing structures and adding the two structures. The application follows a June 2026 agreement between Valletta Cruise Port and Val- letta Bridge Ltd, a joint venture between CPHCL Group, the company behind the Corinthia hotel chain, and Attard Bros Group, to restore, redevelop and operate the building under a build-operate-transfer ar- rangement. The former power station was described as an underutilised heritage asset. The redevelop- ment plans announced at the time included a 20-room bou- tique hotel, offices, retail out- lets and restaurants. The application follows an earlier permit for the resto- ration and minor alterations of the complex, approved in 2013. The permit was later re- newed through an application approved in April 2019 and re- mains valid until 8 May 2027. The renewal did not introduce changes to the previously ap- proved plans. The earlier plans envisaged restoring the historic buildings for a mix of uses linked to the cruise terminal, including a baggage check-in facility, of- fices and retail outlets. It al- so included an infill building linking the old power station to the adjacent police station and departures lounge, as well as a public pedestrian route connecting the waterfront to Crucifix Hill via the roof of the restored complex. The power station site con- sists of an amalgamation of buildings from different his- torical epochs, including a late 17th century arsenal and lime kiln, 18th century oil vats and grain stores, and the power station, which was extended in the early 20th century and repaired following war dam- age. Restoration works under the earlier scheme included reopening blocked apertures, repairing stonework and re- constructing a missing clock tower. The latest application is awaiting a recommendation by the Planning Authority. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt A rendering of the proposed project when it was announced in June 2026