City Lights in Valletta is one of Malta’s oldest and most notorious cinemas. Unfortunately, the curtain will soon come down on the historical cinema as the Planning Authority is set to approve plans to converts Valletta’s City Lights into a boutique hotel.
A look back at City Lights
Situated in St John’s Street, the entertainment establishment opened its doors in 1977 in what had previously been the balcony area of the much larger 1930s Capitol Cinema. City Lights is the last of Valletta’s old cinemas which was a hub for entertainment back in the day, including spots such as Coliseum, Savoy and Embassy.
In recent years, it was the go-to spot for the ultimate cinephiles due to its continued use of original 1930s Kalee 35mm projectors that gave the ultimate retro cinema feel. Nowadays, the venue was given a new lease of life with the opening of a popular cinema bar that screens new and classic films allowing patrons to sip on a glass of their fave booze and watching a great movie.
The application
The current owner, who also forms part of the original family who operated the cinema since it opened, seeks to convert the culture hub into a boutique hotel featuring 11 suites and rooms, plus a rooftop pool.
The building’s façade will be retained and restored, as will the cinema bar. However, the original first-floor cinema and lobby will be demolished. The building is a Grade 1 national monument, the highest level of protection available.
Following changes to the plan, the application is ready for approval ahead of a Planning Commission hearing being held today. However, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage is yet to issue a final go-ahead.