restoration work must be in keeping with the original design

Hotel not excluded from uses proposed for Maó´s Illa del Rei

illa del rei. Playing an important role in island history

The special plan details the work which needs to be done on the various buildings, specifying which have to be restored and which can be demolished

c.m.w..Maó

The draft of the special plan for the Illa del Rei, which is currently on public display in Maó Town Hall, leaves open the option of an hotel on the islet in the harbour. Councillor for the Town and Environment, Gari Petrus, explained that the document allows different possible uses for the island and gave an assurance that it would not be entirely given over to an hotel, but that such an establishment would be only one of various options.

The plan´s objective is to turn the whole island into a museum piece, the land as well as the buildings and archaeologoical remains, and Petrus believes that the way to do this would be to make it easier for people to visit the island and appreciate its assets. She suggests that an information centre could be set up together with walking routes and observation points to help achieve this. In respect of the archaeological site on the island, Petrus feels that excavation is necessary, as well as restoring the mosaics, providing protection and vigilance and installing information panels.

Each of the islets´s buildings is dealt with separately in the document with the necessary plans of action specified in each case: the central hospital building and cloisters, including the rainwater collection system, must be restored with the main building being in need of a new roof; the Director´s house, attached to the hospital, plus the building closest to the archaeological site are classed as "viable restoration", i.e. restoration is possible but not obligatory and the proposal is to convert the latter building into a viewing point; three other buildings are considered to be of little importance historically and so could be demolished and replaced by new buildings.

Any restoration work must harmonise with the original design and materials used, although extra elements can be added to adapt the buildings to new uses providing that they blend in with the overall effect.

The various buildings will be the principal areas for conversion to other uses and possible concessions, whilst construction will not be permitted in areas declared to be "free" zones. The land around the archeaological site will be turned into an archaeological park and the remaining area, where not under maritime protection, will become protected land.

Amongst other uses, the plan suggests that a nautical resort, a public residence or a tourist hotel could be established but excludes the possibility of creating private homes on the island. It proposes involving private initiative to achieve its aim of revitalising the island by introducing activities which would add to the port´s economic activity but which would also be compatible with the island´s character and history.