Developers propose demolition of Villa Rosa wall

Plans for the redevelopment of the Villa Rosa area envision the removal of the existing three-metre boundary wall enclosing the present resort and the pedestrianisation of the area in front of the existing beach.

A Project Development Statement presented by the developers to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority claims that the aim of the project is "to ensure that the proposed development will be an extension of the existing beach, where people can come to relax on the beach, shop within the proposed shopping complex and dine within the proposed restaurants located centrally within the undeveloped open area".

The developers claim that the demolition of the wall will free 7,200 square metres of public open space, which will automatically result in the extension of the only sandy beach within the Sliema and St Julian's area.

But the project will also include the creation of 7,400 square metres of commercial space, the construction of a cluster of 15 bungalows along the valley and more intense development in the area adjacent to Bay Street, which will touch the existing lower gardens.

Separate plans have also been presented for residential development in the Cresta Quay area. A four star superior hotel with beach club facilities is being proposed within this area. This 3900 square meter hotel will be located on the sea shore adjacent to the  Westin Dragonara Hotel and opposite the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel.

The development will mostly take place in zones already identified in the local plans issued in 2006.

Most of the proposed development is set for the area adjacent to Bay Street - in St Augustine Street and St George's Bay. The area presently includes a hotel, which has a footprint of approximately 1,600 square metres. The proposed development will have the much greater footprint of 2,950 square metres.

The second area, where a number of bungalows will be developed, is located along the north part of the valley.

Overall 25% of the floor area will be developed, whilst the scheduled Villa Rosa and its surrounding upper gardens will be preserved and restored.

The main development will be at the northernmost end, located between St George's Bay and Prof W Ganado Street. The main proposed use of this area is multi-ownership accommodation with a total gross floor space of approximately 17,000 square metres.

The proposed development would have a height of four floors, with a semi-basement and a penthouse, and various commercial uses at ground floor. In one complex, the commercial ground floor would include a language school, and offices would occupy the upper floors.

The other zone earmarked for development is that adjacent to the valley. The area is zoned for the bungalow development. The 15 fully detached bungalows would overlook a large water feature, below which there would be a number of parking spaces. The bungalows would occupy 4,000 square metres of currently undeveloped land.

Anton Camilleri, on behalf of Garnet Investments Ltd, made the proposal.

In 2009 Vic Bon, a company owned by the Camilleri family of Madliena, purchased Dolphin House and the Villa Rosa holiday complex from C.H. Bailey plc for €2.3 million and €29 million, respectively.