Sliema Art Nouveau houses are unique

There are currently applications for the demolition of two houses situated in the upper part of Dingli Street, Sliema. The application is for the demolition of these houses and the construction of six storeys of flats and two levels of underlying garages.

Both applications are re-submittals of earlier applications.

In both instances the Cultural and Heritage Committee stated: "The Heritage Advisory Commission is strongly objecting to the proposed demolition..." These houses are two of the best examples of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Craft movement in Malta. One was designed by the architect Gustavo Vincenti, the other probably by Giuseppe Psaila who was the architect of Balluta Buildings.

As the Heritage Committee has stated that the internal and external architecture is unique, the Local Plan must be revised to ensure that the remains of the original layout are preserved.