Several multi-million-dollar developments are slated to come before the Central Planning Authority on Wednesday, 19 June, including a $40 million set of apartment and commercial buildings proposed for central George Town.
International Mall Ltd. has proposed the complex for a vacant site near the intersection of Walkers Road and Ellery Merren Drive.
This project proposes three, two-storey commercial buildings, and seven, two- and three-storey townhouse buildings. Combined, the two- and three-bedroom townhouse units would offer up to 96 bedrooms. Zoning regulations establish a limit of 70 bedrooms for the 4.36-acre parcel.
The layout also has a pool and two-storey building with a gym and meeting space.
As part of its feedback, the Department of Environment noted that the site is on “primary habitat,” which is more mature and typically includes dry shrubland and forests.
“These habitats are often very old, existing long before humans, and may consist of endemic and ecologically important species,” the department wrote. “Primary habitat is in severe decline, particularly in George Town, and becoming a scarce and highly threatened resource as a result of land conversion for human activities island wide.”
The department advised the building designers to reconsider the entire site layout to preserve as much native vegetation as possible.
The project has raised objections, which are scheduled to be reviewed at the hearing. The CPA, which was still awaiting comments from the National Roads Authority, also plans to review the suitability of the project for the area, how many rooms will actually be included and more.
West Bay apartments proposed
Following that hearing will be the application by Bahia West Ltd. for 40 apartments in the West Bay area.
The $750,000 project would sit on Capts. Joe and Osbert Road, in a high-density residential area.
While the proposal hasn’t received any objections, the planning authority adjourned the application on 25 Oct. 2023 based on concerns about the suitability of this location, given the “excessive density”.
The CPA also raised concerns about deficient parking in an already taxed area, as well as deficient setbacks. However, the authority noted the site did meet the parking ratio for one-bedroom units.
The applicant wrote in the proposal that it was essential to consider current urban planning trends and sustainable development practices.
“My project aligns with the global movement towards compact, transit-oriented communities, encouraging alternative transportation options such as public transit, walking, and cycling,” Bahia West wrote. “It is conveniently located just two blocks away from the West Bay bus route.”
The applicant said the project also has the benefit of offering more affordable housing to residents, catering to individuals and small families.
The CPA has required Bahia West to submit a revised plan.
Legoland returns
The developers behind a proposed 10-storey apartment block are also returning before the CPA.
The envisioned $95 million development, proposed by Legoland Real Estate, would include 162 units in George Town.
When planning authority members raised concerns about the composition of commercial and residential spaces in the building, the developer planned to review what changes would be possible.
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How about developing the old Hurley’s supermarket site instead. This has been an absolute Grade1 eyesore for many years, make an offer to the owners and kill two birds with one stone.