Hili Group reduces Comino Hotel redevelopment by 5,000 square metres

The Hili Group’s plans for their new Comino Hotel redevelopment have been amended with a reduction of the original footprint, and the containment of the development within the built envelope.

The Environment and Resources Authority said it had approved the final environment impact (EIA) and appropriate assessments (AA) for the redevelopment of the hotel and bungalows at San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay, in Comino.

The developers have also removed one of two piers initially proposed at Santa Marija; reduced the number of bungalows to 19; removed an outhouse pavilion and concierge pavilion and the rearrangement of associated footpaths; and back of house areas have been regrouped almost entirely over existing tennis courts.

“The decision comes after the applicants made several modifications to their plans as requested by the ERA, including a reduction of the originally proposed footprint and containment of the development within the current built envelope,” the ERA said.

ERA’s final assessment will now be referred to the Planning Authority, who will assess the proposal further and take a final decision on the respective application for development permission.

The developers made amendments to their plans, including, reducing the proposed project’s footprint by 5,000sq.m – almost the size of a football pitch. The most significant change from the existing scenario, especially at the hotel site at San Niklaw, is the restoration of land closer to the coast by shifting the building envelope inland, reducing the footprint at San Niklaw.

The EIA and AA were received on 20 September 2021, both of which were published for a 30-day public consultation.

The Hili Group will demolish the existing Comino Hotel at hotel at San Niklaw Bay and existing bungalows at Santa Marija Bay, reconstruct a 140-bed hotel, 19 bungalows (down from 21), a spa, bars and restaurants, berthing facilities, and swimming pools. The project includes the upgrading and reinstatement of the natural ecological and existing disturbed terrain in both San Niklaw and Santa Marija areas in accordance with the Gozo and Comino Local Plan.