Sterling Jewellers, a company with a keen eye for development, has presented plans to convert its shop in front of Gozo’s iconic Ċittadella into a stunning four-star, 40-room hotel. The exciting project, spanning six floors, includes a rooftop infinity pool offering breathtaking views of the Grade 1 heritage site.
After the approval of a guest house by the Planning Commission in May 2018, albeit with a recommendation for refusal, Romina Grech Fenech, representing Sterling Properties Limited, aims to obtain permission for the hotel. As the permit for the guest house expired last June, the company has taken the opportunity to re-envision the space.
Under the expertise of architect and Mosta mayor Chris Grech, the plans have been meticulously prepared and are currently undergoing initial vetting by the Planning Authority. The proposed hotel will involve “partial excavation to the required levels” and both internal and external alterations to the layout of the previously approved guest house, thus making way for guest rooms, a restaurant, and other ancillary facilities.
Situated in Victoria’s city center, the project will boast a wide range of amenities, such as a multi-purpose hall, an indoor pool with spa services, massage rooms, and 34 guest rooms along with six luxurious suites. Additionally, the ground floor will feature a jewelry shop and a hairdresser to cater to the needs of visitors.
The topmost floor of the hotel is designed to provide guests with a memorable experience, offering suites with spacious terraces and jacuzzis. Most of the guest rooms will overlook an enchanting internal courtyard, which will have a retractable skylight on the highest level, allowing natural light to flood the space.
While the previous permit faced opposition due to concerns about building height and visual impact, the new plans have already received a positive response from the Malta Tourism Authority. The authority had issued a tourism compliance certificate in February, allowing Sterling Properties to proceed with their planning application for the hotel.
The proposed hotel promises to provide a unique and luxurious experience for visitors to Gozo, while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of the island’s rich heritage and architectural charm. Sterling Jewellers’ vision for transforming their shop reflects a commitment to quality and innovation in the hospitality industry.
FAQ Section:
Q: What is Sterling Jewellers planning to do with its shop in Gozo?
A: Sterling Jewellers plans to convert its shop into a four-star, 40-room hotel.
Q: What type of views will the hotel offer?
A: The hotel will offer breathtaking views of Gozo’s iconic Ċittadella, a Grade 1 heritage site.
Q: Who is representing Sterling Properties Limited in obtaining permission for the hotel?
A: Romina Grech Fenech is representing Sterling Properties Limited in obtaining permission for the hotel.
Q: Who is the architect and mayor involved in the project?
A: Architect and Mosta mayor Chris Grech is involved in the project.
Q: What amenities will the hotel offer?
A: The hotel will have amenities such as a multi-purpose hall, an indoor pool with spa services, massage rooms, and 34 guest rooms along with six luxurious suites. Additionally, there will be a jewelry shop and a hairdresser on the ground floor.
Q: What is the design of the topmost floor of the hotel?
A: The topmost floor of the hotel will feature suites with spacious terraces and jacuzzis.
Q: What has been the response to the new plans by the Malta Tourism Authority?
A: The new plans have received a positive response from the Malta Tourism Authority, which issued a tourism compliance certificate in February.
Key Terms:
– Ċittadella: A Grade 1 heritage site in Gozo, Malta.
– Planning Commission: The organization responsible for granting planning permits.
– Planning Authority: The organization responsible for the planning and development of land and buildings in Malta.
– Guest house: A type of accommodation typically smaller in scale and offering fewer amenities compared to a hotel.
Related Links:
– Sterling Jewellers
– Visit Gozo
– Malta Tourism Authority