The Sliema Heritage Society has raised the alarm over an “iconic” Tigné property that would be replaced by a modern development if a recent application submitted to Mepa gets approved.

The building forms part of a “terrace of dwellings” characterised by their Art Nouveau or, more accurately, the Italianate ‘liberty’ style of which very few remain, the Society said in its objection letter to the planning authority, which was however submitted late.

“This is as important to preserve as a medieval building. It is an iconic building – unarguably one of the last remaining groups of Art Nouveau houses in the Maltese Islands,” said architect Edward Said on behalf of the Society.

The building lies on Tigné Street and Pace Street in Sliema and is part of a terrace of houses on three streets that are well preserved, the Society said.

One of the last remaining groups of Art Nouveau houses in the Maltese Islands

The application for development submitted to the planning authority requests permission to demolish the building and replace it with 11 apartments plus penthouse, a maisonette and a shop as well as an underground car park.

The architect who submitted the application pointed out that the deadline for objections expired on March 10. “These are deadlines that should be respected by everyone,” said Reuben Sciortino.

He preferred not to comment on the objections raised by the Society, saying he would wait for the outcome of the process and the planning authority’s decision.

The Sliema Heritage Society has called on Mepa to at least insist on the retention of the two façades including timber apertures and wrought ironwork.

In the event that additional floors are warranted then the Society says these should be of a contemporary design complementing the Art Nouveau grammar of the existing building.

The Society is also calling for a detailed appraisal (at least a photographic survey) of the interior and if any internal elements of architectural distinction are found then no demolition should be permissible, it said. It also called for the entire group of houses to be scheduled for protection.