UPDATED WITH PEMBROKE LOCAL COUNCIL STATEMENT

The Villa Rosa project has sparked public debate, with misconceptions leading to concerns. Garnet Investments Ltd, owners of the sit, announced they will scrap the current application from 2022 in collaboration with the Planning Authority, aiming to propose a revised development with capped building heights and expanded public areas. Contrary to accusations, the planned changes are intended to preserve the valley and ensure the project complies with the environmentally-sensitive protections outlined in the Planning Authority’s updated Local Plan.

Although a permit from 2018 could allow Garnet Investments to proceed with a high-rise, mixed-use development, the company prefers to rework the proposal to align with Malta’s needs for luxury tourism and job creation. High-end international brands are anticipated for inclusion, intended to meet gaps in Malta’s tourism offerings. The developers clarified there’s no specific height limit on four or five-star hotels under the 2014 Height Limitation Policy for Hotels, but they’re committed to maintaining the valley as a protected area, ensuring the plan aligns with environmental priorities.

Moviment Graffitti has organized a protest against the project, scheduled for tomorrow, 26th October, at 10:30 a.m. at St. George’s Bay in St. Julian’s. More details are available on their social media channels.

Pembroke Local Council Statement: 

The Pembroke Local Council announced that it has decided not to participate in the protest regarding the Villa Rosa project at this stage.

Extending gratitude towards Moviment Graffitti for the invitation, the council said that it reached the position ‘as the consultation process on the proposed changes is still in an early phase, though the Council has already expressed its reservations.’

‘The Council understands that the Planning Authority is following legally stipulated procedures, and it intends to participate actively in these procedures. In this context, the Local Council will engage technical experts to provide specialized advice, allowing it to submit its position effectively to protect the best interests of the residents.’

The council recalled expressing serious concerns back in 2018 when the ‘developer was granted the current permit’, and said that the council will continue to monitor the issue closely.

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Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the ‘Meet in the Med’ conference, organised by Malta’s National Council for Youth, commending the attendees’ efforts to foster cooperation and advance youth development across the southern Mediterranean. He praised young people as “the engine that drives progress”, emphasizing their role in creating cleaner, safer communities that align with shared aspirations for a prosperous future.

Robert Abela noted the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting initiatives like the Youth Advisory Forum, where young people contribute insights on critical issues such as climate change, education, and employment. He also acknowledged Glenn Micallef’s nomination for European Commissioner, a position that could directly influence EU youth policy.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister advocated for peace beyond borders, reinforcing the need for regional stability and inclusion, values that he says unite the Mediterranean youth. Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Malta’s initiatives like Vote 16 and Youth Proofing, which give young people an active role in shaping policy. He encouraged other nations to adopt similar approaches for a youth-cantered, inclusive policy environment.

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