Mannarinu Caterers’ proposed wedding and events hall at the Esplora Science Centre in Kalkara has been recommended for approval despite a formal objection by the village's local council.

Kalkara’s local council objected to the proposed additional use of the premises, which previously housed the Marea restaurant, citing concerns over noise, traffic and parking.

“A wedding/events venue introduces all day activity, amplified music, and concentrated guest movements,” the council said.

“Together with the two existing wedding venues nearby (Heritage Malta and Villa Bighi), the proposal creates cumulative noise impacts that have not been addressed and are inconsistent with the amenity protections in DC15.”

Kalkara mayor Wayne Aquilina (Photo: Facebook)

The council further warned that a wedding and events venue, unlike a restaurant, would result in substantial peak-hour traffic and a higher demand for street parking.

A number of Kalkara residents also filed objections on similar grounds, while Din l-Art Ħelwa argued that Esplora is supposed to serve the general public through educational programmes.

“The proposed conversion of this site… into a wedding hall, a purely commercial use with no educational value to the public, is entirely unacceptable in principle,” the NGO said.

However, the planning case officer issued a recommendation in favour of the change of use, arguing that it was in line with planning policies.

The former Marea restaurant (Photo: Marea)

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.

While a permit hasn’t been issued yet, the case officer’s report makes an approval very likely.

Mannarinu have already announced that the new venue will be called Curve and that it will host a wedding fair this weekend, complete with exclusive offers.