Din l-Art Helwa has expressed concern over the renewed approval by the planning authority of a large high-rise development in Gzira, in the absence of an adequate and up-to-date policy on high-rise development in Malta.

It said major planning decisions with long-term impact on the urban environment should be underpinned by a clear vision and strategy and not be approved piecemeal.

Din l-Art Helwa said it had been stated that this new high-rise 33-floor complex in Gzira, which will be Malta’s tallest building, would also regenerate the surrounding area. However, it was not clear what improvements in the existing urban fabric are expected beyond the boundaries of this development.

“On the other hand, the construction of such a large-scale project may aggravate traffic problems on the heavily congested road network in this area,” it said.