The Planning Authority has unanimously approved Corinthia Group’s large-scale redevelopment of the former Ħal Ferħ holiday complex in Għajn Tuffieħa.The project, named Corinthia Oasis, will transform the long-abandoned Air Malta holiday village into a high-end resort featuring a 161-suite hotel alongside 25 luxury villas and bungalows.The tourism component will include hotel rooms, water and garden suites, pools, a spa and gym facilities, as well as the restoration of a historic military chapel on site.Alongside the hotel, 16 villas and nine bungalows will be developed as fully independent residential properties that can be sold separately.Although the site lies outside the development zone, policy changes introduced in 2021 allow high-quality residential units in the area. Corinthia is expected to pay more than €10 million to the Lands Authority to convert part of the site to residential use, in addition to a separate planning gain contribution.According to the approved plans, building heights will remain relatively low, with landscaping and existing mature trees intended to minimise visual impact.The site had previously been earmarked for tourism development in 2013. However, the newly approved proposal combines hospitality with permanent residential units, marking a significant shift in the project’s scope.What do you make of this?Credit: Corinthia Oasis Resort•