Feb 25 - Town Planner Urges Caleta Refurbishment Applicants to Reconsider Hotel Design
Tabled before the Development and Planning Commission this morning, the Caleta hotel’s flagship refurbishment proposal included a new five star rating, 6 more floors added to the existing building, and a further set of residential apartments where the current unused annex currently stands.
The project also includes 40 further hotel suites, sized at 40 x 70 square meters, a car park that will cater for 245 vehicles, including residents of the new housing, hotel guests and beach visitors. The plan also makes mention of a further luxury residential unit just past the hotel and annex, on the Cliffside.
It was noted that an Environmental Impact Assessment of the project was in process, a statement that was thoroughly welcomed by the Commission.
Dr. John Cortes, Minister for the Environment, praised the proposed use of intelligent energy in for the form of solar hot water systems, rainwater harvesting systems and other green systems.
Commenting on his proposal, Caleta Hotel owner Brian Callaghan insisted that the architectural scheme has enormous merit and will benefit the public. He added that the proposal fits in with the Government’s intentions to develop tourism via the hotel industry.
The proposed new luxury homes will feature a natural pool that will prevent wave erosion. All materials to be used on the development of the oval shaped building will mirror the natural image and colour of the surrounding cliffs.
The estimated completion date was set for 2017. Commenting on the development, the Town Planner and Commission’s chairman noted that he found the building ‘too boxy’ and ‘lacking character and openness’ and urged the applicants to consider another proposal.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Garcia approved of much of the development, praising the applicants for bringing them a scale model of the design. He also welcomed the idea of additional parking facilities in the area, as they are currently extremely limited.
Dr. Cortes called for the project to have minimum impact of the natural coast line. The Commission made no decision on the development during today’s meeting.
