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Adi Associates has recently finalised Malta’s new diving strategy – Developing A Sustainable Diving Industry in the Maltese Islands: A Strategy for the Future, 2022
Client: GAP Developments plc
Start / Finish Dates: July to October 2015
An air quality study and a Traffic Impact Assessment were prepared to address the potential impacts from the operational aspects of the proposed redevelopment of the former Crown Plaza Hotel at Fort Cambridge, Sliema, into a high-rise hotel.
The site already has MEPA approval for the construction of offices; however, the proposed development involves the construction of a new 40-storey hotel, including ancillary facilities and amenities. The existing historic facades of the Fort Cambridge barracks building would be retained, whereas the existing southwest facade and internal structures would be demolished.
The air quality study assessed the effects of air emissions from traffic on sensitive receptors as would arise during operation of the hotel. The study took into account the baseline air quality in the surroundings, including future cumulative impacts arising from other projects in the area. The study included six weeks of ambient air monitoring, traffic data monitoring, and dispersion modelling using BREEZE Roads, an air dispersion modelling suite specifically designed to model pollutants emitted from motor vehicles. The predicted change in pollutant concentrations at sensitive receptors was then used to determine the significance of the impacts, in accordance with standard MEPA guidance.
The Traffic Impact Assessment established the baseline traffic conditions in the surrounding area of study and estimated the likely traffic to be generated from the proposed hotel. Manual and automatic traffic counts were undertaken and swept path analysis was done to confirm the access arrangements. Plans were subsequently modified to improve manoeuvrability and safety at the accesses; traffic management measures were also recommended for the access routes. The key junctions in the area were assessed using PICADY and ARCADY traffic models to determine the impact from development traffic on the existing network.