Concerned by the alarming rate at which historic townhouses are being earmarked for demolition, Sliema residents will on Saturday invite decision makers for a symbolic walkabout in a bid to stop the “attack”.
Among others, members of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage - whose remit includes the vetting of development applications, and if necessary, the issuing of recommendations - will be invited to visit some of the most architecturally-important parts of the locality, this newspaper was informed.
In recent months, environment NGOs Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar and the Sliema Heritage Association, which are backing this campaign, have been calling on the Planning Authority to reject the plans and, if possible, schedule the buildings in question.
The local council has also stepped up its efforts and has been filing a series of objections.
Apart from heritage issues, concerns have been raised on the consequences of overdevelopment in terms of pollution, residents’ rights during construction and other aspects negatively impacting on the quality of life, such as parking.
The authorities seem to be adopting a rather defeatist approach
“Unfortunately, the authorities seem to be adopting a rather defeatist approach. It is as if though Sliema has already been compromised and, therefore, trying to save the last remaining pockets of certain properties having architectural value from this attack would be futile,” a resident said.
While insisting that this was not a political issue, she noted the objective in organising the walkabout was to let decision makers to see for themselves the manner in which the residents’ quality of life was being adversely affected.
“We cannot expect the Sliema local council to fight all our battles without our support. It is only if we attend in large numbers that our grievances will be heard,” she added.
Only a few weeks ago, a development permit was issued for the partial demolition of a Victorian baroque townhouse in Ġorġ Borg Olivier Street, adjacent to Capua Palace.
The project involves the retention of the façade and the construction of three additional three floors on top of it.
The decision was described as a “mockery” by Sliema Heritage Association secretary Edward Said, an architect by profession.
“Rather than demolishing part of it, the authorities should be seeking to safeguard such property through scheduling,” he had told this newspaper.
This house in Borg Olivier Street, Sliema will be partly demolished to make way for a block of apartments. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli