‘Evans Building project will be a source of pride for residents’ – Simon De Cesare

Eden Leisure Group CEO Simon De Cesare said the successful Evans Building concessionaire will ensure the hotel project becomes a source of pride for residents.

Mr De Cesare speaks to MaltaCEOs after the Court of Appeal reinstated the Evans Building tender in favour of Valletta Luxury Projects (VLP), a consortium made up of Eden Leisure and Iniala owner Mark Weingard.

The path is now clear for VLP to bring the luxury hotel brand Anantara to Malta’s shores.

“After commencing this process back in 2022 we look forward to progressing this landmark project and ensuring that the regeneration of the Evans Building as well as our CSR activities will be a source of pride for residents and will make a lasting positive contribution to the upkeep and character of Valletta,” Mr De Cesare says.

VLP had won the original tender, pledging to pay a total of €78 million over the 65-year concession period, more than any other tenderer. 

After two rival bidders flagged a valuation price error in VLP’s tender response format, the Public Contracts Review Board decided to scrap the concession.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of VLP, pointing out that the consortium had rectified the error with the contracting authority. 

Mr De Cesare said he is “extremely happy” with the judgement.

“The Court recognised that our offer represented by far the strongest financial proposition put forward, with a total concession fee commitment of €78 million over the 65-year concession period — a figure that speaks for itself and delivers exceptional value to the Maltese state,” he said.

“We are proud to have put forward a proposal that not only meets the highest technical standards but also maximises the financial return to the country.”

Cover photo: Simon De Cesare (Photo: Eden Leisure)