Europa Point College plans approved despite Town Planning concerns

Plans to build a College of Further Education at Harding’s Road, Europa Point, have been approved by the Development and Planning Commission, despite initial opposition from Town Planning.

However, the Minister for Education, John Cortes fiercely defended the project which eventually received full planning permission, subject to a number of conditions.

We asked John Cortes whether such representations from Government Ministers have an effect on the independence of the commission. 

The Gibraltar College development will occupy a 1,000 square metre plot and rise four and a half storeys. Facilities include science labs, a preschool area, and a certified examination centre to be used for all exams on the Rock.

The DPC raised concerns over the building’s height. Town Planning and the Minister for Education appeared divided - balancing the building’s footprint against its wider social impact.

Town Planning initially advised the DPC not to approve the application, instead recommending a modification order. Its main objection was the height of the buildingstating “Despite the project providing a valuable community facility, we presently can’t support it.”

Suggestions included acquiring land to the west of the site to expand horizontally rather than vertically, or reducing the height by one storey or looking at alternative sites, along with recommendations on:

Bicycle parking

The impact on the Harding’s Road footpath

Fire strategy

Traffic management

The Minister for Education, who sits on the DPC said the neighbouring land was not an option and described Town Planning’s comments as an attack.

The Minister stressed the urgent need to relocate the existing College, saying it was not yet unsafe but “its days are numbered.” He said the new facility would expand educational opportunities on the Rock, from new courses to learning support facilities.

Plans include increasing bus services and improved timetabling to avoid students travelling back and forth during the day. He added that the design had been developed with teachers, who were clear this was the college they both wanted and needed.

He also urged the Commission to consider what might become of the site if the application were rejected.

Minister for Sport Leslie Bruzon highlighted the importance of education particularly today, with his child receiving GCSE results today.

Representations were successful.

DPC member Gino Matto said he had been swayed by Mr Cortes’ arguments on the social and educational benefits of the project.

Janet Howitt described the situation as a conflict: her instinct was to oppose a tall building, but she acknowledged the need for a modern education facility.

Town Planning suggested a vote on conditions, but the Minister said this would be a waste of time, and proposed a vote on the project subject to conditions instead. 

The DPC eventually voted on the full planning application, granting approval subject to conditions - including a review of whether the top floor should be divided into two.

Nine members voted in favour, with two abstentions.

The decision was welcomed by one of the College’s teachers.

On a day already marked by educational milestones, the DPC’s decision signals its intent to ensure Gibraltar achieves another one.