The db Group has submitted a new application to significantly increase the height of its residential towers currently under construction on the former Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) site in Pembroke.

According to the application, the company is seeking to add seven storeys to one tower and six to the other, bringing their heights to 23 and 25 storeys respectively. This would represent an increase from the previously approved 17 and 18 storeys.

The site in Pembroke was transferred to the db Group as part of a controversial land deal approved by Parliament in 2017.

This latest request marks the third time the developer has sought to modify the height of the development. Initially, the project was proposed as a 38-storey tower alongside a 17-storey hotel, but the permit for this development was subsequently revoked by the courts due to a conflict of interest involving a member of the Planning Authority’s board. It should be noted that the revocation was not related to the height of the buildings.

Importantly, the site lies within an area where the use of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is permitted. This planning mechanism determines the allowable number of floors for medium and high-rise developments based on the size of the site.

Construction is currently underway on the db Group project at St George’s Bay, where the former tourism school once stood.

On Wednesday, Momentum stated that after years of legal battles and public resistance, the db Group’s push for additional floors “exposes the relentless greed that fuels some of Malta’s most monstrous developments.”

The party said the company’s claim that the extra floors reflect unused floor area was “an insult to those who fought against the project.”

“Let us be clear: the people of Pembroke and the Maltese public at large have already paid dearly in terms of lost public space, environmental degradation, and a permanent scar on our coastal landscape.” the party said.

Party chairperson Arnold Cassola described the company’s move as “brazen profiteering,” adding that the db Group’s strategy was to chip away at opposition to the project little by little.

Momentum appealed to the Planning Authority to reject the application and urged the public and NGOs to voice their opposition by sending emails to [email protected].

“The future of our towns, skylines, coastlines, beaches and shared environment cannot be determined by the unchecked ambitions of single developers intent only on amassing millions in profit for themselves. Enough is enough.” Cassola concluded.

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More than 300 public officials and 400 police officers have undergone training provided by the Directorate for Human Rights, focusing on combating racism, xenophobia, and social exclusion. This was highlighted by the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, during the closing conference of the SKIN project – ‘Strengthening of Knowledge on Integration and Non-Discrimination’ led by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) and co-financed by European Union funds.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg emphasised how the Government is addressing this social issue and ensuring that those working in the public sector are sensitive and able to respond professionally to cases of discrimination.

“Through this project, led by the Commission, we have witnessed the experiences of individuals who face discrimination simply because of the colour of their skin, something that is unacceptable. The Government’s investment, including specialised training for public officials, demonstrates the importance we place as a country on tackling this issue. Discrimination and racism certainly have no place in our society.” said Rebecca Buttigieg.

The NCPE Commissioner, Renee Laiviera, stressed that the SKIN project was based on researched evidence including findings from the EU-MIDIS II survey by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the 2023 Eurobarometer which show the prevalence of discrimination against persons of African descent and Muslim minorities in Malta, particularly in employment, education, services, and housing.

Furthermore, Laiviera added that the NCPE’s work aims to identify real obstacles, raise awareness, and provide concrete tools to promote a fairer and more inclusive environment.

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Two draft laws have been announced that implement a key electoral promise by the Government, aiming to guarantee the fundamental rights of every person with a disability in Malta.

The draft Personal Autonomy Act will ensure that every individual has the right to make decisions about their daily life. This includes the necessary support to enable autonomous decision-making. The new system respects the dignity of the person and reduces situations where others decide on their behalf, except in truly exceptional cases.

This was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia.

At the same time, the draft Protection of Adults in Vulnerable Situations Act (PASVA) will establish a legal framework to protect these individuals from abuse, harm, or neglect. Dedicated officers will be appointed to work with various entities and professionals to ensure that the voices of vulnerable adults are heard and that they receive the necessary assistance, including court intervention when required.

Although progress has been made, Malta’s current system still does not offer all persons the opportunity to make decisions for themselves. With the right support, a person can be actively involved in important decisions both everyday ones and more significant issues, such as inheritance.

These measures are a direct response to recommendations made by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities following its review of Malta in 2018. Since then, extensive consultations have been held with government entities, professionals, NGOs, and affected individuals and their families. The laws have also been developed according to advice from international experts, including two UN Special Rapporteurs.

Malta will be among the first countries in Europe to fulfil its obligations under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, alongside countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Austria.

The Protection of Adults Act will also allow for criminal and civil cases where necessary, as well as introducing certification for those working with vulnerable adults and a register for individuals found guilty of offences against these adults. Those listed will be barred from continuing to work or volunteer with vulnerable adults.

Minister Julia Farrugia explained, “Today, as a Government, we are taking a historic step towards a fairer, more humane, and truly inclusive Malta. These laws are not just reforms on paper—they are a clear affirmation of our values as a society that believes in dignity, autonomy, and the rights of every person, regardless of disability, age or health. We are shifting from a system that chooses who has the right to decide for themselves to one that empowers the individual, with the support they need. This is a Malta that listens, learns, and acts. Malta leads forward with courage and vision, even when many other countries lag behind. With determination and love for our people, we are moving forward to make our promises a reality and to be a country that leaves no one behind.”

The public consultation document is available at http://publicconsultation.gov.mt/, where suggestions and comments will be accepted until 8 August 2025. Feedback can also be sent via email to [email protected] or by post to the Directorate for Disability Affairs, Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering, Triq in-Negozju, Birkirkara CBD 3000.

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