PA approves Phase 1 of American University of Malta campus in Cospicua
The Planning Authority yesterday approved the first phase of the Dock 1 site in Cospicua, with 10 votes in favour and two against. The project will change the current abandoned buildings into a campus for the American University of Malta.
The AUM will be based mostly in ODZ land in Marsascala, but the Dock Number 1 site will also be part of the whole university complex.
The authority also voted that €50,000 be given by the developer for improvements within the community.
The description of works reads: “Change of use of disused building known as the British Building (including the police station) into an educational institution (class 2c) consisting of the reconstruction of missing original volumes, internal alterations and extensions including the addition of an extra floor”.
The case was recommended for approval by the PA case officer. The report said that the main changes include the conversion
of the ground floor into class rooms, cafeteria, common rooms and studios, removing existing gantry cranes but retaining and integrating the existing dock’s pump room mechanism, introducing an intermediate level to be used as classrooms, a students’ area and a library, construction of a new second floor to be used as classrooms, offices and ancillary facilities, construction of a two-storey (ground, intermediate and first floor) portico in front of the reception hall etc.
The original structure has a total area of 3,500 sqm, the extension on top will be around 2,200 sqm, and the police station has an area of 400 sqm.
During the presentation at the Planning Authority Board hearing, Architect Edwin Mintoff explained that this is just the first phase of the project, and further works would include other areas. As an example, he said that the Knights building further on will be restored and also used.
An issue relating to transport was also highlighted. The site would require around 324 parking spaces, yet the current application does not include any parking provision.
The issue of parking was not tackled yesterday, but will be in what Mr Mintoff described as the master plan, which has yet to be presented and would include the rest of the Cospicua side of the project. The idea thus far seems to be an underground car park on St Paul’s Street.
The campus will cater for 500 students. The decision to utilise Dock 1 came after mass outcry at the university plans to be built at Żonqor, as a result, government decided to split up the campus.
The case officer said that the proposed development is acceptable since the proposal gives an adequate use to a disused historic building within the urban area, which is in line with the general principles of the National Spatial Framework in the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). The proposed restoration, extension and use as an educational institution have been assessed and found to be in line with the applicable policies, and subject to no objection from the statutory consultees.
ERA representative Viktor Axiak requested a construction waste management plan, with regard to construction waste, to be submitted before works begin, and this was accepted.
PN MP and PA Board Member Ryan Callus said that the Authority gave this case certain special treatment. “I don’t remember an application where an institution that would involve 500 people would not directly involve parking plans. The board members have to stay on your word, but things like this should not occur in applications.
“I’m surprised there was no feedback from Transport Malta, and this is beyond belief. I don’t think such preferential treatment should have been given, when in other proposals we discuss parking there and then.
“Conveniently, the Żonqor part of this institution was not mentioned. While I recognise we are considering this application today, in its totality I cannot be in favour knowing that it forms part of a project that would include the take-up of a substantial amount of ODZ land. I’m a bit surprised this point did not come up during these discussions.”
PA CEO Johann Buttigieg said that in the past the board has approved restoration projects without tackling parking, such as the Valletta Waterfront, Smart City, etc.
I’m surprised there was no feedback from Transport Malta