Superintendence lashes out at proposed demolition of Sliema townhouses

The demolition of a row of townhouses in Sliema in order to make way for townhouses has started to raise concerns.

The application is to demolish a row of existing dwellings and construct a garage complex for private cars at basement and plinth level, and to construct four overlying levels with five apartments on each floor and four penthouses at receded level. The area is known as the parapets.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has strongly objected to the proposal. The Superintendence highlights that the property in question is a row of early 20th century townhouses of vernacular and architectural value, located within the Urban Conservation Area of Sliema.

“These buildings define the existing streetscape and is characterised by similar structures of traditional era that are constructed over two-storey buildings, with limited exceptions, built on a raised plinth. The preservation of the visual integrity of the streetscape is a priority in this area... These townhouses all feature traditional Maltese architectural features such as wooden doors and closed timber balconies, wrought iron fanlights coloured glass windows, garigor, traditional roofing structures.”

The Superintendence notes that the proposed development is an unacceptable intensification of development and “will create an undeniable and negative impact both on the property and on the streetscapes within the Urban Conservation Area. The Superintendence objects to the demolition of the existing buildings. This intervention will also contribute to the erosion of the cultural significance of the streetscape and the existing character of the village core. In view of the above, the Superintendence strongly objects to this application.”

Former PL MEP candidate Cyrus Engerer has hit out at the situation on Facebook, saying: “I don’t mind more floors over the existing one, but removing the parapet is a disgrace. It’s so symbolic of many houses in those streets in Sliema.”