Over 4,600 objections have been submitted to the Planning Authority to protest db Group’s City Centre project, NGO Moviment Grafitti confirmed.

A total of over 14,000 objections were submitted by the public during the three representation periods connected to this application over the past three years. The project, which previously housed the Institute of Tourism Studies in Pembroke, has also been opposed by local councils of Pembroke, Swieqi, St. Julians as well as other environmental and cultural NGOs.

Moviment Graffiti together with other opposing entities raised concerns that even though modifications have been made to the original plans, the project still fails to address its potential impact on culture, environment, traffic and nearby residents.

They warn that even the height of the tower has been reduced, shadows caused by the building will also have a devastating effect on residents in the area. Moreover, the disputed plan to include the infamous tunnel linking the project to the coast road was not included in the latest plan, which db has affirmed as a solution to the traffic issue.

To add insult to injury, the opposers fear the Cold War bunker discovered through research carried out by the objectors will not be preserved in db’s plans.

There are several other concerns, such as the breaches of Local Plan policies and several environmental considerations, including the excessive generation of inert waste and the lack of updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.

However, db Group insists that amendments took such issues into consideration and keep Malta’s economy a boost post-pandemic.

You can see the petition here.

What do you think about their objection?