Watch: ‘Comino Hotel Goes Against The Spirit Of A Nature Reserve,’ Activists Urge As Hili Group Presents New Renders
The Comino hotel project goes against the spirit of a nature reserve, activists outside Hili Group’s headquarters in Marsa said earlier today.
Activists hailing from seven environmental organisations in Malta once again gathered for a press conference, calling for the withdrawal of the controversial application.
Meanwhile, Hili Group immediately acknowledged the press conference conducted outside their offices this morning, publishing comparative renders of the existing building with the proposed design.
“This project proposal is going against the spirit of Comino, and by extension, the spirit of a nature reserve,” Moviment Graffitti activists said, reiterating their call to axe the project.
“We don’t accept that this project goes through.”
“What exactly does the Maltese society stand to gain from such savage exploitation? What sane and logical argument can there be which could convince us to accept this gutting of our heritage?” a representative from Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar said.
“The answer to both questions is very clear – nothing at all. We, the NGOs gathered today, and backed by thousands of objections, clearly maintain our position to the degradation of our cultural heritage.”
The organisations also reminded Hili Group that this is a hugely unpopular project, with a record 13,500+ objections submitted to the Planning Authority.
The organisations participating in today’s protest were Moviment Graffitti, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Nature Trust – FEE Malta, and Ramblers Association Malta.
Presenting digital renders, HV Hospitality acknowledged the conference and once again clarified misconceptions about the project.
“HV Hospitality, the hospitality subsidiary of Hili Ventures, acknowledges the press conference conducted by Moviment Graffiti this morning.”
“The attached photos and renders comparing the existing building with the proposed designs should clarify some misconceptions about the project.”
“This is a redevelopment project that focuses on rebuilding the hotel and bungalows situated in Comino since the 1960s, which are currently in a state of disrepair.”
“The new development seeks to create a top-quality sustainable tourism offering that meets the latest requirements and standards.”
“The project has undergone extensive studies and analysis, and the outcome is a highly thoughtful and balanced approach that reduces the built footprint and reinstates parts of the built foreshore.”
“HV Hospitality is committed to remaining honest and transparent throughout the planning process and welcomes discussions with all stakeholders, as it has always done.”
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