Carmen Camilleri, Sliema
Tigné's concrete jungle
The processing of applications for the building of further blocks at Tigné must be stopped immediately to avoid further cramming.
Foreign and local residents are alarmed at the lack of adherence to what was initially spelled out.
Building further blocks will have a disastrous effect. The Sliema council and residents' association need to follow Mepa's processing of these applications.
Mepa needs guidelines on Tigné, if not a clear-cut policy, which would be more than welcome by the people.
For example, let us preserve the most open sea views from a public square. It seems that the allowable proportion of built-up area to open spaces has already been reached in Tigné, which was always meant to be the lung of overbuilt Sliema.
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Adrian Zammit
Feb 22nd 2010, 09:54
It is very sad to witness the steady deterioration of the very unique and distinctive fabric of the Maltese Islands, that identity which differentiated us from the rest of the world. This short-sighted approach to Malta's development will lead to huge, and I daresay insurmountable problems to Malta's future well-being, as what is happening now is unsustainable. Packing as many "dwellings"per square km of land to maximize financial returns, without giving due consideration about the residents'quality of life, as well as having a medium to long-term vision of where the islabd is going with such projects, is definitely not the way forward. Sadle, Malta is flying blind- we may be lucky and land on our feet, but we could just as easily crash head-first into a distarous point of no return.
These clusters of concrete boxes will look tatty, old and very second rate in 10 years time, by which time the ravages of the sea and the NE wind, together with our notorious lack of maintenance, will have taken their distinct toll. But would I be overly cycnical if I suggest that the developers will not really care what this place will look like 10 years down the track?
g.c.Forte
Feb 22nd 2010, 09:16
In 20 years time we can call Sliema, especially this part " The slums ".
Paul Borg
Feb 22nd 2010, 04:01
You think th's is is bad? Just wait til you see Fort Cambridge, the solid twenty+ wall of flats is so much worse that even the sales people confide their doubts. The MIdi flats, they are so dark, even the ones on the front, mur ara the back ones. And even worse the Fort Cambridge, planned for midgets so that they fit 24 floors into 18 or something like that.
Just think and rejoice Sliema residents, more planned at Townsquare, Piazzetta, and now even Villa Bonici.
MEPA, DO YOU HAVE EYES IN YOUR HEAD?
laurence schembri
Feb 21st 2010, 23:03
@ Joseph Sammut
And what made you assume that I haven`t, India? I don`t even care to mention. Brazil? Seven times, if I remember fightly, there you have a point. South Africa? I could have settled there in the middle sixties but for Apartheid, it was the white man that put these people in rabbit hatches. Had you been to Lourenco Marques (Mozambique) to see how the Portuguese treated the blacks as non-human, what else would you expect. Same applies to India, the British took all what was needed, especially iron ore and gave nothing back, but believe you me Joseph, India is changing fast.
Pule' Carmel
Feb 21st 2010, 22:49
It is too late now!
Peter Gatt
Feb 21st 2010, 22:00
Looking from Valletta, one can clearly see the lack of harmonisation between the Tigne project buildings and adjacent buildings. And these inconsistencies are clearly visible along the Sliema waterline and other developments within. Sliema has been cordoned off by high buildings, destroying much of its character. Sliema Residents Association is trying to preserve what is left of Sliema, not just for the sake of opposing development, but due to the deleterious effects this has on the residents’ life and well being. As a member and a volunteer, I urge more Sliema residents to join and lend a hand. The strength is in the numbers. See www.sra.org.mt and on facebook. .
monica vella
Feb 21st 2010, 20:39
Shame on whoever is responsible.What a legacy to leave. Shame on the people who have destroyed and are still destroying these islands.
Pamela Hansen
Feb 21st 2010, 19:10
Prosit MEPA , does it not look 'luverly'. It really compliments the Valletta bastions.
Joseph Sammut
Feb 21st 2010, 18:46
@Laurence schembri
Surely Laurence has not seen the slums in India Brazil and South Africa,only ours are concrete,and yes I been there rabbit hutches
Emma Xerri
Feb 21st 2010, 16:33
Simply horrible!
Not at all like what their computer generated promos showed - graduated apartments, not to high to begin with, gently sloping to the sea, reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!
This looks like Bugibba on steroids.
Anthony Caruana
Feb 21st 2010, 14:49
What a beautiful new development for rabbits.
laurence schembri
Feb 21st 2010, 14:47
@ Joseph Sammut
Have you been there lately? It fares better than this I can assure you.
John Carmel Navaro
Feb 21st 2010, 14:12
Thank you Carmen for echoing my sentiments to the letter, I just cannot believe the Authorities letting this monstrosity to come to fruition in the first place. Lets us hope the latest reorganization of MEPA would do its job and protect out little beautiful Island. I must emphasize this is not a points gaining Political issue; it is of concern for the whole Nation. I just cannot see how Politicians of both Parties just shut their eyes at what it is happening. I accept that there has got to be investment for Malta to survive but not at this price, first the Grand Harbour with St Angelo Flats now Marsamaxett Harbour with Tigne Flats wonder where else is on the list to be destroyed.
Peter Sammut
Feb 21st 2010, 14:01
Good G-D! I don`t believe this. This is a crime inflicted upon Malta. Where will the sewers flow? The inhabitants of Marsamuxetto will enjoy encountering the floaters while swimming there. What about the anglers? Please don`t eat the fish you catch there. So much for the envirnment.
Joseph Schembri
Feb 21st 2010, 13:20
When there was the bond issue for this project I was taken around and shown the 'luxury apartments'. If they paid me to live there I wouldn't. It is just block upon block of flats with narrow passages in between. When I commented on the fact that the alleyways were very claustrophobic I was told by one of their PR people that it was built this way to mimic Mdina. Surely everyone can see from this picture that it is exactly like Mdina.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Feb 21st 2010, 13:03
@Carmen Camilleri
I wouldn't like to spoil your day , but worst than the building of MORE blocks is the request of the Developers who are asking for a MAKEOVER to their practically finished . long overdue MEGA PROJECT ! Strangly these blocks gain height towards the peninsula end , where logic(oops) demands contrary . Their PLEA is based on the extended hight limit granted to recent projects in this already saturated Area .
There was also the risk that the SLIEMA W.F.C. Training Grounds and Club House be built up too ! Its about time Sliema FC get back this facility (most likely the only open space), as they have been waiting too long . What a shame .
This , if given MEPA approval will result in more storeys added to their blocks. Addio Environment Impact Assessments and Planning Regulations .
Chris Ebejer
Feb 21st 2010, 12:04
Only an earthquake can liberate us of this outrageous sight!
Joseph Sammut
Feb 21st 2010, 11:56
Concrete jungle,more like mumbai slums.
laurence schembri
Feb 21st 2010, 11:02
What shambles,disaster, I wouldn`t even be buried there...and the rape on this tiny isle goes on.