Ex-Raffles disco to become food court, childcare centre

Plans are in hand to turn the two-storey dilapidated former Raffles Discotheque in Pembroke into a food court with catering outlets and a childcare centre.

The property, in a prime site in St Andrew’s, was acquired by the Labour Party through a controversial expropriation deal more than four decades ago. The party subsequently reached a deal for the lease of the site and its commercialisation.

In an application currently being considered by the Planning Authority, applicant Mario Brincat is proposing the change of use of the building to a childcare centre at ground floor level and restaurant outlets at ground and first floor levels.

The proposal seeks the addition of an outdoor playground, accessed solely from within the building, the construction of two kiosks and their respective seating areas, landscaping works and the restoration of the facades.

The proposal also includes excavation works within the scheduled Grade 1 building to create a basement level to be used as a kitchen area and amenities, the dismantling and replacement of part of the ground floor ceiling with a newly proposed glazed roofing area and substantial internal alterations, including the removal of...