Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/853507
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 26 JULY 2017 News 7 JAMES DEBONO THE Malta Tourism Author- ity has described the proposed hotel in Kalanka, Delimara, as "a good touristic opportunity" but fell short of endorsing the project by issuing a Tourism Policy Compliance Certificate, expressing concern on the pro- posed height of the hotel. After expressing doubts that "the proposed height of the hotel is reasonable within the context of the site," the MTA concluded that "the project should be considered further by the Planning Authority" and that the MTA should be kept updated about the devel- opment, adding that the suc- cess of the project depended on how well it is integrated in the surrounding environment. A new hotel needs both a planning permit and a tourism compliance certificate to oper- ate. But the letter sent in reply to the developer's application for a compliance certificate suggests that the authority is reluctant to issue such a cer- tificate before the Planning Authority addresses concerns on the visual impact of the project. But while expressing some reservations on the visual im- pact of the proposed devel- opment, the MTA is largely supportive of the idea of re- developing the derelict hotel by saying that since the origi- nal use of the site was that of a hotel, the use of the site as "a service oriented structure" is already established. It also notes that developer Keneth Abela is keen on "establishing links with other eco-tourism initiatives" in the area. According to the MTA the project also has "a reasonable opportunity for success." It also deemed the current state at Kalanka as "not acceptable", adding that the area is in need of an "upgrade." The hotel development was reviewed by the Authority's Special Projects Committee, which is chaired by MTA chairman and PL candidate Gavin Gulia. The PA's own Design Adviso- ry Committee – which advises the authority on design issues – has yet to express an opinion on the project and has asked 3d visuals of the project from various viewpoints before is- suing its verdict. The PA has received more than 450 objections presented by concerned citizens against the development. Objectors who wrote in to the PA argued that the proposed hotel, which is outside devel- opment zones, would increase the current built footprint and have a negative impact on the site, which is scheduled as an Area of High Landscape Value and an Area of Ecological Im- portance. The project proposes the re- placement of the derelict Deli- mara Bay Hotel with the new Kalanka boutique hotel com- prising 13 luxury suites, three superior deluxe suites and one presidential suite. Proposed amenities include a lounge area, bar and restaurant, gym- nasium, a spa, and an outdoor pool. The built up area will in- crease from 343m2 to 561m2. The existing concrete terrac- ing to the west of the building will be replaced with landscap- ing. The proposed 3 star hotel is being proposed to cater "the growing eco-tourism niche market in Malta" and as a way to increase tourism accommo- dation in the Marsaxlokk area. An Environmental Impact Assessment warns that the im- pact on the landscape charac- ter of Delimara is considered to be of major negative signifi- cance. "Notwithstanding that there are existing structures on the site, the scheme will result in a large change in the rural / natural landscape with the in- troduction of a larger and taller hotel building with a modern form". The Environmental Impact Assessment warns that the construction of a tunnel link- ing the proposed Kalanka ho- tel and the beach could under- mine the stability of the cliff and suggests that the negative geological impact of this devel- opment would be minimised if the proposal is dropped en- tirely. STOCK TAL-GVERN MALTA GOVERNMENT STOCKS (By Auction) Secure Investment Issue of €40,000,000 in Fixed Rate Malta Government Stocks (subject to the over-allotment option up to a maximum of €35,000,000) Fixed Rate Malta Government Stocks The Treasury will be issuing €40,000,000 Fixed Rate Malta Government Stocks subject to an over-allotment option up to a maximum of €35,000,000 as follows: (i) 1.4% Malta Government Stock (Third Issue) – Fungibility Issue Maturing in 2023, and (ii) 1.5% Malta Government Stock (First Issue) – Fungibility Issue Maturing in 2027, or (iii) Any combination of the above two Stocks which in the aggregate shall be €40,000,000 Applications in the form of sealed bids (auction) for a minimum of €500,000 and multiples of €100,000 each open on Wednesday 2nd August, 2017 at 8.30a.m. and close at noon of the same day or earlier at the discretion of the Accountant General. Bids on the prescribed forms are to be transmitted by fax on 2596 7210 or by e-mail at the e-mail addresses indicated on the application form or deposited in the Treasury Tender Box in Floriana. Application forms may be obtained from all Members of the Malta Stock Exchange and other authorized Investment Service Providers or downloaded from the Treasury's website at www.treasury.gov.mt. MALTA GOVERNMENT STOCK FOR SAFE INVESTMENT AND LIQUIDITY WITH INTEREST PAID UP TO THE DAY OF RE-SALE OF STOCK SECURITY CONTINUOUS LIQUIDITY INTEREST EVERY SIX MONTHS (The value of the investment may go up or down during the tenor of the Stock) Treasury Department, Development House, Level 2-3, St. Anne Street, Floriana, Malta. MTA cautiously supports new Kalanka hotel Tourism Authority expresses reservations on height of proposed hotel but supports principle of redeveloping site of derelict hotel