The re-development of the former Grand Verdala Hotel, which will see the derelict building make way for a three-block hotel and residential complex, has been given the green light by the Planning Authority.

The plans, which will see the total demolition of the existing Grand Hotel Verdala, involve the construction of 3 separate blocks, with a height of 6 floors above the highest street level and two basement levels.

One block will include 39 apartments and three shops, the second block will include 47 apartments, and the third block will include a hotel consisting of 17 serviced apartments and 26 guest rooms.

The plans also include the provision of 176 parking spaces.

The permit granted by the PA is for a full development, and it builds upon an outline development permit for a development of this nature which was approved by the PA in April 2020.

It will replace the Grand Hotel Verdala, which has laid derelict and unused for over two decades.

Located on a ridge, the hotel had significantly altered the Rabat skyline when it was inaugurated in 1971 as a 160-bedroom five-star hotel. It ceased operations in 1997 and was intended for redevelopment by construction magnate Angelo Xuereb.

The PA’s case officer had recommended that the project be granted.