Plans for a new hotel near the Ruins of St Paul’s were discussed by the Urban Planning Committee earlier the week, reportedly sparking concerns that a historic wall and portal located on the site may be jeopardised.
The 448-square-metre piece of land in question sits between Rua de Santo António and Rua da Tercena, the Macau Daily Times reports.
It is partly encircled by Calçada do Embaixador, a steep pedestrian-only lane flanked on one side by a distinctive ochre-painted wall. The area is considered historically significant.
At the meeting, director of the Land and Urban Construction Bureau, Lai Weng Leong, said his office was following up on a request from the land’s owner to build a hotel. The land is currently occupied by a temporary public carpark, but no buildings.
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Also at the meeting, representatives from the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that any construction must be “harmonised” with the portal and old wall’s architectural style – and that both historic features will be fully preserved.
The project consists of two plots that would reportedly be connected, making a future hotel accessible from both Rua de Santo António and Rua da Tercena. The Times reports that the new hotel would be a budget property.
The Macao Government Tourism Office has previously endorsed the building of cheaper accommodation options in older districts, in order to lure more budget tourists.
