Gżira’s New 151-Room Hotel: The Town’s ‘Sliema 2’ Ambitions

Picture this: Gżira, a bustling town on the northeastern shore of Malta, is set to welcome another addition to its skyline. A 151-room hotel, proposed by local developers, is set to rise on the site of the former St. Aloysius College. But this isn’t just any hotel; it’s a project that’s got the town’s mayor talking about Gżira becoming the ‘Sliema 2’.

Gżira’s Changing Skyline

Gżira, once a quiet fishing village, has transformed over the years into a vibrant urban centre. With its prime location, just a stone’s throw from the capital city Valletta, and its extensive seafront promenade, it’s no surprise that the town is attracting significant investment. The proposed hotel, set to be built by local developers Tumas Group, will stand tall on the site of the former St. Aloysius College, which closed its doors in 2014.

From School to Hotel: A New Chapter

The former college, located on Triq Sant’ Andrija, has stood vacant for years, its once bustling classrooms now silent. The proposed hotel, designed by local architectural firm A1 Design, promises to breathe new life into the site. The seven-storey building will feature a rooftop pool, a restaurant, and a spa, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the historic city of Valletta.

Gżira: The New Sliema?

Mayor of Gżira, Dr. Robert Musumeci, has been vocal about the town’s potential. He’s not shy to compare Gżira to Sliema, Malta’s most densely populated and commercialised town. “Gżira is becoming the new Sliema,” he told Hot Malta. “We’re seeing more investment, more people moving in, and more businesses setting up shop. This hotel is just one part of that story.”

But not everyone is thrilled about the changes. Some residents have expressed concerns about overdevelopment and the impact on traffic and parking. “We love that Gżira is growing, but we want to make sure it’s done in a way that benefits everyone,” said one long-time resident, who wished to remain anonymous.