A spokesperson for db Group had a terse response when asked for their reaction to the unexpected suspension of a Planning Board meeting that was due to decide on the company’s application to increase the height of their Pembroke towers by several storeys. 

“Any questions on this morning’s sitting should be directed to the Planning Authority,” they told WhosWho.mt.

The application in question concerns db Group’s proposal to add seven and six storeys respectively to the two residential towers forming part of its City Centre project at the former Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) site in St George’s Bay.

The meeting, which began as scheduled on Thursday morning (today), was halted abruptly minutes before the board was set to discuss the db application. Planning Board Chairman Manuel Camilleri called for a brief recess, after which he announced that proceedings would be suspended as the NGO representative, Romano Cassar, was not present because his nomination had not yet been published in the Government Gazette.

The suspension followed a significant change of position by the Pembroke Local Council, which had announced a day earlier that it would now oppose the proposed height increase. The reversal came after public criticism over the council’s earlier agreement with db Group for the company to fund a civic centre in the locality – a move that left many residents angry.

The db City Centre project, currently under construction, includes the Hard Rock Hotel Malta, St George’s Mall, and the Ora Residences. The proposed extension would add 82 new residential units – 76 apartments and six duplexes – across the two towers.

In recent months, db Group has continued to post strong results.

Its audited accounts for the year ending March 2025 show a 15 per cent rise in net asset value to €241 million and a 30 per cent increase in operational profit to €18.6 million.

The company has also diversified internationally, launching its Japanese restaurant Aki in London and partnering with RAK Hospitality Holding on the Hard Rock Hotel and Residences in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Meanwhile, the group recently received approval for a €60 million bond issue, the first €33 million tranche of which opened on 7th October. The funds will strengthen db Group’s financial position and support both domestic and overseas projects.

As for the postponed decision on its Pembroke towers, db Group has made it clear: Any questions should be directed to the Planning Authority.