MEPA approves re-development of Forum Hotel site

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board today approved planning permission for the re-development of the derelict former Forum Hotel together with a fully detached villa and two undeveloped parcels of land.

The site in Ibrag will be developed into a predominately residential project which will include 12 semi-detached dwellings, 12 terraced houses and 79 apartments.

Additionally, the development will also include office and retail facilities, a supermarket and 490 car parking spaces.

MEPA added that although the local plan for the area, permits a maximum height of 3 floors plus a semi-basement, the applicant following numerous meetings with the authority and the neighbouring community, reverted to reduce the density of the project.

It said the approach adopted was to introduce a mix of dwelling types that partake the existing urban context in the vicinity. The project also involves the design and making of a new street leading onto Triq l-Uqija.    

The commercial block, along Triq Sant Andrija, which leads down towards the Coast Road, will act as a buffer area to the dwellings and apartments that will be developed within the site. This block will have 5 floors with a semi-basement and penthouse. 

The Mepa Board considered favorably the inclusion of a supermarket within the development since it addresses the existing inconvenience and parking problems associated with the current operations of Greens Supermarket.

The Board imposed a planning condition, through a public deed, for the applicant to ensure that the Greens Supermarket will cease operations from its existing premises once the new supermarket is fit for operation.

The Board imposed a condition that an independent monitor must be appointed to ensure that all conditions are adhered to during the construction phase of the project. Additionally, a planning gain of €50,000 has also been imposed, to be used by the Swieqi local council for an embellishment project within the vicinity.