Earlier today, the Planning Board granted approval for the construction of a new 5-star accommodation in Fort Cambridge Barracks building in Tigne.

This decision came after extensive discussions, focusing on preserving the existing 19th-century building. The building in question is the former British Military Services Officers’ Mess and Quarters, originally serving as residential barracks for soldiers stationed in a fort.

The building featuresa quadrangle layout with a sheltered internal courtyard, while its façade showcases Neo-Classical elements such as colonnades and arches.

Initially, the proposal involved demolishing the internal structure, the southwest façade, and the courtyard façade.

However, during the initial processing of the application, discussions and consultations with various entities, a revised proposal was submitted, outlining changes in the project’s description and design. The height of the building was reduced from 134.4 meters to 100 meters to minimise its visual impact.

Furthermore, the building envelope has been redesigned to incorporate the 19th century military structure.

The updated proposal aims to preserve the external facades and recreate the internal courtyard, including the loggias. Another issue that was resolved through further discussions was the matter of the hotel’s main entrance and vehicular access.

Initially, the plan was to have the main entrance and vehicular access located at Triq Tigne.

However, due to potential traffic issues on this busy road, the applicant has agreed to follow the Development Management Directorate’s opinion. As a result, the main entrance and vehicular access for the hotel will now be provided from Triq Locker.