Din l-Art Ħelwa Appeals Planning Approval for Excelsior Hotel Extension

2026-09-08T11:00:28.518+00:00 · Updated 2026-09-09T17:02:09.864+00:00

Heritage organisation Din l-Art Ħelwa has filed a formal appeal against the Planning Authority's decision to grant a permit for an extension to the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana.

The approved plans permit the construction of a six-storey wing that will add 77 rooms to the coastal hotel complex. The project also involves building over landscaped open space located along the perimeter of the existing property.

Din l-Art Ħelwa argued that the permit undermines the protection of historical assets in the capital's immediate periphery. The environmental and heritage organisation stressed that the country cannot continue sacrificing its cultural landscape in pursuit of additional hotel capacity.

The site sits immediately beneath the historic Floriana fortifications and bastions, overlooking Marsamxett Harbour. Objectors have long argued that major vertical developments in this sensitive area compromise sightlines and alter the visual setting of the capital's defensive walls.

The appeal comes amid growing public debate over tourism growth and the volume of hotel bed approvals across the Maltese islands. Various non-governmental organisations and industry commentators have raised concerns about overdevelopment and its pressure on local infrastructure and national heritage.

The appeal will be considered by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, which will determine whether the permit granted by the Planning Authority should be upheld, modified, or revoked.