The Planning Authority is set to discuss the renewal for the Mistra village development next week.
The proposal reads: “Renewal of PA/06236/08 - Redevelopment of Mistra Village - Construction of residential complex consisting of four blocks including supportive commercial activities with underlying basements for private parking. Development of public open spaces, landscaped gardens and communal pool”
The case officer’s report reads that the decision on the original application was taken on the 31st October 2013 and the decision notice is dated 09th January 2014 with a validity period of five years from the date of publication of the decision. “Following the issuing of an outline development permit, a full development Permit was issued to detail the redevelopment of Mistra Village with a total floorspace of 134,600sqm including a residential complex (744 units), retail (1,800sq.m.) restaurants (990sq.m.), Offices (150sq.m.), Spa (1,900sq.m.), Pool Clubhouse (1,200sq.m) and 1,617 car parking spaces. A total footprint of 28,000sq.m is dedicated to open space with communal outdoor pool (430sq.m.),” the report read.
The site is known for its commitment as the former Corinthia Mistra Village Club Hotel which was developed during the 1980s and ceased operation in 2004. “The Mistra Village occupies an area of 42,179 square metres on the easternmost point of Bajada Ridge on the upper part of Xemxija Hill overlooking Dahlet il-Fekruna in St. Paul’s Bay. The site slopes down to the arterial road having frontage on three roads, Triq Raddiet ir-Roti, Triq il-Fuhhar and Triq K. Vitale. From the highest level to the lowest level of the site, there is a difference in level of circa 20 meters,” the case officer’s report read.
“The proposal per se is not located within a Natura 2000 site, albeit 50m from Natura 2000 site.”
“The northern part of the site overlaps on an Area of Ecological and Archaeological Importance. An underground flour mill scheduled as a Grade 1 structure for its military engineering relevance is located on the northern tip of the site. This flour mill is one of seven underground flour mills constructed by the British Military Services during the Cold War period (1950s) as part of the civil defence measures. These mills were constructed as a contingency measure against Malta being affected by potential nuclear attack within the Mediterranean region by the Soviet Bloc. The complex is entirely cut into the rock and consists of an entrance passage circa three metres wide leading to the milling chambers where generators and machinery are placed at ground and upper floors,” the report states.
The case officer recommended that the application be granted.