Portomaso gets 11-storey office block, Auberge d’Italie to house fine arts museum

The Planning Board approved planning permission for the change of use of the Auberge d’Italie into the National Museum of Fine Arts, to be known as MUZA.

The 16th century Auberge, which until recently housed the offices of the Malta Tourism Authority, will include a number of internal alterations to ensure state of the art exhibition spaces and lecture halls within the museum.

An outdoor cafeteria within the building and the installation of photovoltaic panels at roof level are also included as part of the project.

The Auberge d’Italie building which is located between four streets, Triq il-Merkanti, Triq Melita, Triq San Zakkarija and Pjazza de Valette, Valletta, is one of the eight original auberges built for the different Langues of the Order of St John. In 1924, the Auberge d’Italie housed the first Malta Musuem.

In 1924, the Auberge d’Italie housed the first Malta Musuem

11-storey steel structure approved

The board also granted planning permission for the development of an 11-storey office building over the existing Portomaso cafeteria, which is immediately adjacent to the Portomaso Tower.

The new building, with over 5,200m2 of office floor space, will be interconnected with the tower and will further enhance the business hub concept around the area, the PA said.

The case officer recommended the application for approval because Paceville is designated as a “business hub” in the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED). 

The decision was before the approval of the controversial masterplan for the town, which also envisions tourist development of up to 15-storeys on reclaimed land next to the existing Portomaso resort. 

The high-rise development, first proposed in July 2015 but validated in July this year, will not be assessed according to the terms of the new masterplan. 

MCAST campus to get an extension

The Planning Authority said that, to cater for the forecasted trends in student population and educational training while enhancing the educational experience of students attending the MCAST campus, the board also approved amendments to the approved Resource Centre.

The building, which shall be constructed over an existing car park, shall include exhibition spaces, auditoria, offices, classrooms, a library and study areas.

The building will include exhibition spaces, auditoria, offices, classrooms, a library and study areas