Hard Rock Kickstarts Construction on €300m Development in Malta

Hard Rock International and Malta-based db Group have officially begun construction on a €300m ($329m) project in St George’s Bay, Malta. The development will include a five-star hotel, luxury residential towers, and a large shopping complex.

A foundation stone-laying ceremony marked the start of the project, with Hard Rock executives, db Group officials, and Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela in attendance.

The Hard Rock Hotel Malta will feature 394 rooms, most of which will offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and 25 private suites with individual pools. In a nod to history, the project will also preserve British military quarters from the 1860s, seamlessly integrating these structures into the modern hotel design.

The mixed-use development includes the Ora Residences, two luxury residential towers offering high-end apartments. Residents will enjoy a range of amenities, such as private pools, concierge services, and temperature-controlled wine cellars.

Additionally, the complex will house a 20,000-square-meter shopping mall, offering a variety of retail and entertainment options. The entire project, expected to be completed by early 2026, will create several hundred jobs and feature 12 restaurants and bars, 1,300 parking spaces, and 5,000 square meters of public and green spaces.

Prime Minister Abela stated "As we look to the future, our focus is on attracting high-yield travellers while enriching the very essence of our tourism industry."

This project is part of Hard Rock International’s broader expansion across Europe. The company recently completed the $300m Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois, USA, which opened in 2024, featuring gaming facilities, dining venues, and entertainment spaces. Hard Rock’s European footprint also includes properties in Ibiza, Tenerife, and an upcoming development in Athens.