A proposal by MNA Group Limited has been submitted for an eight-storey hotel to replace an existing six-storey guest house and a neighbouring a two-storey residence in Marsaxlokk.

According to MaltaToday, the proposed hotel would be located along Triq tas-Silġ in Marsaxlokk, 60 metres away from its Parish Church and outside its Urban Conservation Area (UCA).

The hotel is proposed to include a spa, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and a rooftop pool.

MNA Group currently runs two accommodation units in Marsaxlokk: Dun Ġorġ Guest House, also within the same road as the proposed development, as well as Port View Guest House on Triq il-Luzzu.

Based on a 2014 policy allowing hotels to exceed local plan height limits by two floors, the plans will see the building rise to 26 metres, up from the existing 17.5 metres.

However, this development was met with objections by the Marsaxlokk Local Council, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, and Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The local council highlighted that the hotel’s development would result in an excessive transformation of the area, which would change its character. Simultaneously, it asked for revised plans based on skyline studies.

Meanwhile, the Superintendence remarked that the property is situated within a transition zone to the UCA, and that it would exceed existing commitments by further increasing blank party walls. Based on these elements, the proposal is objectionable from a cultural heritage perspective.

Additionally, NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa warned that the development would see “inappropriate building height that is completely out of scale with its context.” This, it argued, would have detrimental impact on the character and amenity of this distinct urban area.

Nevertheless, this proposal was endorsed by the Design Advisory Committee, which advises the Planning Authority on design issues. It had suggested that the exposed party wall should be painted a darker shade to tone down the visual impact and blend with existing surroundings.

It should be noted that the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan sets the height limitation for buildings in the area at three stories. However, this was subsequently translated into a metric height of 17.5 metres, which allowed for buildings with five or six floors, as was the case with the Dun Ġorġ Guest House.

About MNA Group

The company was originally established by Peter Azzopardi in 1961 with the opening of two fuel service stations. Later, the company ventured into importing and distributing tyres and alloy wheels in Malta and established itself as a representative for brands like Nexen Tyres and Ceat, among others.

The company later evolved into three generations of the Marsaxlokk family and is now led by Carmel’s sons, Mr Azzopardi’s nephew.

Throughout the years it also ventured into hospitality, with the opening of Port View Guest House in 2013, along with other accommodation.

Recently, the company also expanded into real estate and property development.