I fear that the high-rise debate in Malta is polarising people to such an extent that the argument is losing much of its objectivity. Taking the Townsquare project in particular, it seems it is either the essential future of Malta or a pointless symbol of developers’ greed, set to ravage Sliema.

The truth is, I think we need a more balanced debate, not least because the reality (and, indeed, solution) may well lie somewhere in between these two extremes.

Locals talk about the proposed Townsquare tower “driving away” tourists but this argument is somewhat invalid when you look at what is there now – an urban wasteland.

Similarly, commentators talk about a glut of properties, when estate agents say they are struggling to cope with demand in Sliema, which is borne out by rising prices and rents.

What is quite clear is that something appropriate needs to be built at the Townsquare site and I think “appropriateness” and “necessity” are the key words here.

Malta has a booming economy, a growing population and, of course, lack of space. As a result, high capacity buildings clearly have some role to play in catering to that, not least because, in restricting the actual building to a more limited footprint, they potentially provide space for positive embellishments like communal gardens or the restoration of adjacent cultural sites. The Fort Cambridge residential development is a good example of tall buildings with substantial outside space in the overall footprint (including a cultural site) which, once the land is duly landscaped and the fort properly restored (and I accept it’s been an exhausting wait), will provide a clear balance to the “high-rise” element of the residential blocks.

Sliema sea views are not comparable to those of the Addolorata cemetery

As such, to completely write off the option of some form of modern high-rise as inappropriate and unnecessary is to potentially compromise a very suitable means of developing modern Malta. If we don’t build up, we build across. This will increasingly put pressure on ODZ land as Malta simply runs out of space. The alternative is to shut Malta’s doors which, not least given its EU status, is simply not an option.

There is also a slightly dubious accusation that these towers are being built for ego rather than necessity. Even with multi-millions already banked, the belief that developers have an overriding desire to proceed with mega-construction projects in the absence of a clear demand for them is an odd one. While I appreciate it happened with the ludicrous A3 towers, it was not difficult to predict their unpopularity and I don’t believe this is an experience any developer wishes to repeat. Sliema sea views are not comparable to those of the Addolorata cemetery.

However, there is a flip side to my apparent support for high-rise. The demand for properties with some quality open space in Sliema can surely be catered for without the need to build towering skyscrapers. Yes, we probably should build up but do we really need to go to 38 floors?

It seems to me that the very sensible and obvious solution here is to understand that Townsquare needs developing with a modern and iconic building, understand that there is some sense in going upwards but equally understand that there are very cogent arguments that building a mammoth tower in Sliema is probably beyond what is appropriate or required.

Almost halving Townsquare to 20 floors, for example, would keep it in line with current Tignè development heights (and those deemed appropriate by planning experts in the past), give a much more reasonable time frame for delivery and, obviously, place substantially less burden on the local infrastructure.

I do hope the appeals process looks very seriously at suitable options along these lines rather than a simple ‘all or nothing’ approach.

The Townsquare site (and Villa Drago) needs developing and the sooner this commences the better but we need an appropriate compromise that suits Sliema’s residents, infrastructure and needs.

Tom Lippiett is a UK-qualified lawyer who now lives and works in Sliema.