A new wedding venue at the Esplora Science Centre along the coast of Kalkara was formally approved by the Planning Authority today.

Curve & Arch, will be the first wedding venue run by Mannarinu, one of Malta’s leading caterers.

A planning case officer had already recommended in favour of the proposed additional use of the premises, which previously housed the Marea restaurant, to allow weddings to be held there.

Kalkara’s local council objected to the proposed change of use, citing concerns over public accessibility to the foreshore, traffic management, noise and parking.

However, the planning case officer argued that the application was in line with planning policies.

Kalkara mayor Wayne Aquilina said that the PA didn’t take heed of the objections he had filed on behalf of the local council.

“The PA brushed off these problems by arguing they fall under the responsibility of enforcement authorities,” he said.

Mr Aquilina said that the permit applicant, Xjenza Malta, assured him that his objections will be respected when weddings start being held at the venue.

“I now look forward to these words being put into action and ensuring the new permit strikes a fair balance for residents.”

The premises fall under a Xjenza Malta concession that was awarded to a company owned by businessman and architect Joseph Bondin.

Mr Bondin’s company started subletting the facilities to Mannarinu after the previous tenants, Dizz Group, decided to close down Marea and the nearby Rossopomodo outlet.