They added: “Corinthia intends to ensure that the project is a showcase for best practices in sustainability and environmental sensitivity.”

The 83,000 square metre site was once a military camp for the UK forces in Malta and in the 1970s, it was acquired by Air Malta and turned into a tourist complex. The resort was eventually closed down and privatised in 2009, owned by Island Hotels Group, who acquired a permit to develop a time-share resort. However, the development never took place.

The site was then subject to a development brief, which set strict parameters, with regard to the permissible redevelopment on the site, including limiting the building footprint to 20% of the area, and not allowing for more than two storeys. Eventually, Corinthia took over Island Hotels in 2015 and triggered a clause in the contract asking for a revision of the brief. It was updated to allow for a partial change in land use, allowing Corinthia to include 25 residences in its plans, whilst retaining tourism as the principle use.

“We are very excited about this new resort. We will create a world class product that matches all that we are doing as a brand globally in the luxury sector,” said Alfred Pisani, Corinthia chairman. “We are aiming at setting a new benchmark for the island. As we emerge from the most challenging period ever faced by our industry worldwide, our investment reaffirms Corinthia’s strong commitment and belief in Malta, our home country,” he added.

The plans also include a 125-space underground carpark and the company will be financing a 320-space public carpark on an adjacent tract of disturbed land, operated by the Malta Scouts Association. According to Corinthia Hotels, the project is envisaged to create more than 200 new full-time positions.