Buġibba’s Empire cinema is set to be replaced by a 167-bedroom – originally 144 – hotel with a supermarket at upper groundfloor, according to a Planning Authority application.

The application (PA/03858/23) is proposing the construction of a 167-bedroom hotel, based on 11 levels including five levels of basement parking, Times of Malta has reported.

The development would rise over the Empire Cinema Complex, the Ex Stones-Complex, and Bel Sol Court, on the corner of Bardnell Street and Ġifen Street.

The application was presented on behalf of Polidano H&L 2 Ltd, a subsidiary of Polidano Hospitality and Leisure Holdings Ltd.

The development is set to include a restaurant outlet at lower groundfloor. 

The once-popular cinema in Buġibba hasn’t opened its doors in years, although in 2022, a representative of Polidano Group, the owner, told WhosWho.mt that a decision on whether to re-open had remained pending at the time.

The initial news on the Empire development broke last October but the application was still at a screening stage, meaning not a complete application.

On 17th April, the project was validated for initial processing and the site notice was put in place.

So far, St Paul’s Bay’s local council had already objected to the plans and had asked for any updates on the application process. Nonetheless, objectors have until 17th May to make their concerns known.