A controversial planning application that would see the Rialto theatre restored but with an additional floor for a multi-purpose venue is set to go before the Planning Authority board on Thursday.

Objectors have cited fears that the proposal would result in excess noise.

The full development permission application proposes the restoration of the existing theatre/cinema, interlinked social club, bar/restaurant, and approved entertainment complex (PA/02985/95), and restoration of the adjoining townhouse, into a proposed refitted theatre, with its ancillary catering facilities, proposed multi-purposed venue having circa 300sqm at roof level, interlinked social club and bar/restaurant, with a proposed kitchen and storage. The proposal also includes an interlinked Class 3A boutique hotel with 18 rooms.

The site of the application comprises of the scheduled Grade 2 Rialto Cinema, the adjacent 4-storey traditional townhouse and a two-storey structure located towards the back of the Rialto building.  The sites are located on Triq il-Pellegrinagg c/w Triq il-Gendus c/w, Sqaq Srejdek in Cospicua (Bormla), within an Urban Conservation Area and an Area of High Landscape Value for the Harbour Fortifications.

Many objections were filed over the application.

The Case Officer's report notes that NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa and The Archaeological Society Malta who objected to the application since the proposed development "is in complete contrast with the existing building, negatively impacting the architectural value of the property. DLH remarked that the proposed intervention will lead to irreparable damage of the property's built form, failing to respect the building's Grade 2 listed status and is therefore completely unacceptable. The development will impinge drastically on the aesthetic integrity of the building and its historic view from the surrounding Grand Harbour and Three Cities."

The report also noted, that objectors, among other things, objected to the proposed planning application remarking that the approval of this permit will disturb the residents especially due to the use of the roof top, and mentioned the Macina building, where the noise is dispersed across the dock creek. "We are opposed to the Rialto adding on additional levels and becoming an entertainment hub, which would severely disturb the residents of the area, owing to the fact that the Rialto is in the Cospicua city core," some of the objectors said, adding that "it is unacceptable to consider such a noisy entertainment venue in an Area of High Landscape Value."

NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar filed an objection against the project highlighting how the shape of the buildings surrounding the theatre in the shape of an amphitheatre will amplify the sound. "The proposed permit threatens to disturb residents due to rooftop celebrations," FAA in an email to objectors had said. It also mentions how the project breaches the local plan and other policies and it goes into the history of this theatre and how this development would be going against its grade 2 heritage status.

The Rialto building was constructed in 1956. The building is renowned for its vertical arched openings and dark blue stained glass. These give it its Art Deco proportions which was an important architectural movement in the United States between 1930-1940 and is rare on the Maltese islands. The adjacent site, which is a four-storey traditional townhouse, is characterized by a columned entrance, closed timber balconies flanked by open balconies and traditional green timber apertures, the case officer said.

"The proposal seeks to retain this use of the Class 3C Cinema/Theatre whilst also incorporating the uses of digital theatre and concert hall, which fall within the same use Class, a Class 2B public hall, exhibition hall, displaying of works of art, and a conference/Public assembly hall which are uses without classification," the report by the case officer reads.

"With regards to the existing bar at ground floor level, this is being converted into a Class 4D Bar and Restaurant and is still being interlinked with the Cinema/Theatre and roof top venue. Given that the bar is already committed onsite, the conversion into a Class catering establishment is not being objected to since it is not likely to create an adverse impact on the amenity of the area," the report read. "The Rialto building includes the addition of a roof top level; this area is being proposed as a public hall, exhibition hall, displaying of works of art, a restaurant and a Conference/Public assembly hall." It said that policy permits Class 2B uses and the conference, the public assembly center and the catering establishment without any restriction. "The proposed uses at roof level are therefore considered acceptable and in line with Policy GD 06 of the Grand Harbour Local Plan."

"The proposal also includes the utilization of a site located towards the back of the Rialto which will be accessed from the Rialto building and from Sqaq Srejdek. The proposed use of this site is for administrative purposes and is acceptable since it is considered an ancillary use to the main site. Thus, in general, the proposal may be considered acceptable," the case officer's report read.

The report notes that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage acknowledges that the roof as now proposed will evoke the style and appearance of the historical roof but will differ in pitch and dimensions and thus considered this an acceptable intervention. Regarding noise, the report noted that a noise mitigation report was submitted indicating that premise will not exceed the 45db(A). It also said that apertures are being indicated behind the existing cobalt blue stained-glass apertures for thermal and acoustic insulation.

The case officer recommended that the application be approved, and it is set to go before the PA Board on Thursday.