The remarkable Għar Lapsi Restaurant, Ta’ Rita Restaurant, will be losing its blue colour and retro look after a Planning Authority case officer recommended revised plans for approval.
Its blue colour and retro façade will be transforming into a complete modern overhaul, whilst gaining an extra floor in the process and will be 0.6 metres higher.
However, designs for the building show that the new development will be larger than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the PA case officer recommended the plans despite objects from the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, which wanted to preserve the remarkable building.
The case officer recommended that the façade is to be painted an earthy tone so as to blend more with its landscape. The PA is also expected to approve the development and the final decision will be taken on March 4th by the Planning Board.
The proposal will convert the building into a three-floor guesthouse complex with a restaurant, outdoor pool, underground parking, a multi-purpose hall, a play area, and a scuba diving shop.
Ta’ Rita has been around since the 1930s, when it opened as a bar for the Royal British Marines. It was later transformed into a restaurant in 1966 and has become one of the most famous Maltese restaurants across the years.
