New proposal to convert historic Qormi palazzo into hotel would be 'destructive'

Moviment Graffitti has urged the Planning Authority to reject plans to convert a historic palazzo in Qormi’s village core into tourist accommodation, warning the project would “decimate” one of the few remaining green enclaves in the area.

The application, PA/00472/25, concerns the Knights-era palazzo known as tat-Tabib Maempel on Triq il-Kbira, in Qormi’s Urban Conservation Area. It proposes changing the use of the property from a private residence to boutique tourism accommodation, together with extensions in the site’s large garden.

The NGO on Sunday released a video featuring residents and Qormi mayor Josef Masini Vento, who argue that the scale of the project would undermine the peaceful and historic character of the San Ġorġ village core.

Graffitti said that, under the guise of a boutique hotel, the project would turn the Baroque palace into a commercial complex made up of several guesthouses and multiple swimming pools.

The group said the development would destroy a centuries-old garden containing ancient citrus and olive trees, as well as old structures, describing the space as an essential “green lung” for the surrounding neighbourhood.

The Qormi local council had already objected to the plans, saying the proposal would lead to the encroachment and destruction of more than 1,000 square metres of one of the few remaining green enclaves in the San Ġorġ area.

The council had said it did not object to the restoration of the palazzo itself, but warned that the development proposed in the garden was out of proportion for what was being described as a boutique hotel.

Graffitti echoed that position, saying it supported the genuine restoration of the palazzo and its garden, provided this was done with the dignity the historic property deserved.

“What we oppose is the destruction of this majestic place for commercial gain,” the NGO said.

It said the project ran counter to the principles governing Urban Conservation Areas, citing planning policy that says open spaces such as gardens are essential to urban life and should be safeguarded.

The NGO also raised concerns about the impact of excavation works on Qormi’s ancient natural water source and groundwater table, warning of possible contamination from sewage, pool chlorine and pesticides.

Residents, it said, would also have to contend with increased traffic, noise and commercial activity in a quiet residential area.

Graffitti said particular concern had been raised about plans to place the hotel’s service door in a narrow dead-end alley near Pjazza San Franġisk, which it said would effectively turn the neighbourhood into a service yard.

The project’s architect, Rosanne Axiak of AP Valletta, had previously insisted the proposal respected the historic building and its context. She said the central part of the garden would be retained, with guest rooms built around its perimeter, and that additional buildings would be kept as low-lying as possible.

She had also said there would be one communal pool, with the rest being small plunge pools attached to guest rooms.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has described the garden as a significant urban green lung within Qormi’s Urban Conservation Area and said any important features within it may warrant preservation and integration into the proposal.

Graffitti said that, despite strong opposition from residents and the local council, the application had been recommended for approval by the case officer.

The final Planning Authority hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 9.

The NGO called on the Planning Authority and the government to reject the application, saying Malta could not afford to lose more historic green spaces in village cores.