Green light for two major developments at DPC

Two major developments got the green light today from the Development and Planning commission.

Linewall Road’s the Haven Building and the mixed use residential project at 20/22 Queensway on the former Rooke site are set to go ahead following the approval. 

Architects WSRM are behind both projects. 

At its highest the Queensway project will be 17 storeys high and public areas will include a supermarket and other retail units, a car park, cycle lane, a park, playground, paddle courts, botanical garden and a special pavilion area called ‘dock 4’ reinforcing the site's maritime history. This is envisioned as a flexible venue for community events and exhibitions.

The ESG's Janet Howitt described the project as one to aspire to but also noted there were areas to address such as how the planned fire station would be incorporated in the area, and how the cycle paths would be integrated into Gibraltar’s current system. However, despite these the project received unanimous approval.

Nearby, proposed office block - the eight storey Haven Building was also approved. After numerous designs over the years- this is another WSRM project that had received outline planning permission last year, subject to conditions and a slightly revised final version was back before the DPC today - one the Heritage ministry described as ‘sensitive’.

The architects say much thought has been put into the historical context of both the building itself and the surrounding area – which serves as a “bridge between the historical Old Town and the burgeoning Bayside/ Westside region beyond the city walls”.

Previously the subject of objections by nearby residents, architects say these concerns have largely been addressed with the building now moved back from nearby windows and a lightwell installed.

At the meeting it was heard that given the extremely high footfall the location receives, existing walk ways and roads must remain open and usable while construction is underway – with any construction deliveries to be coordinated with technical services.

The project includes green walls, sustainable features and integrated birds nests.

Having received full planning permission, both projects can now go ahead.