Three historic townhouses in Tigné, Sliema, described by experts as leading examples of a unique architectural style, will be demolished to make way for a new apartment block.
Rosendaal Hotels Ltd, which operates the adjacent Hotel Plevna, submitted an application to demolish the three buildings on Hughes Hallet Street and construct a new five-storey block incorporating 15 apartments and two penthouses with pools, as well as a commercial ground floor and four basement car park levels.
Both the Sliema local council and heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa objected to the loss of the historic Art Deco buildings and called for the façades, at least, to be retained in the new design.
Din l-Art Ħelwa also expressed concern that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had not been consulted over the development.
We’re going to leave a void in our architectural history
Although the buildings are not located within an urban conservation area, the superintendence was recently consulted on a similar application concerning a period building just a few metres away, which led to the original façade being retained.
Planning commission Elisabeth Ellul told a hearing yesterday the application in question fell outside the remit of the superintendence and calling for a consultation would establish a dangerous precedent.
When asked what difference there was between the two developments, Ms Ellul said she could not comment on the earlier application, on which the superintendence had been consulted, because the case was not heard by her board.
The planning commission board voted in favour of the development with two votes in favour and one against. The objectors are expected to appeal.
Heritage architect Edward Said told the Times of Malta the buildings set to be demolished, attributed to Deco exponent architect Silvio Mercieca, boasted an architectural style acclaimed as being practically indigenous to the Qui-si-Sana and Tigné area.
“Their destruction will result in yet another loss in leading precious examples of a Maltese interpretation of international architectural styles,” he said.
“If we keep going like this, we’re going to leave a void in our architectural history. These buildings feature subtle motifs and designs which set them apart as a Maltese interpretation of Art Deco. As part of a historical story, they are as important as any baroque palace or Siculo-Norman house,” Mr Said added.
The case officer, who recommended the project for approval, noted that, as the buildings did not enjoy any degree of protection, there could be no objection to their demolition.
The proposed design of the new development was considered adequate to the broader context of the surrounding area.
A permit had already been issued on the site in 1996 to demolish a town house and build an extension to the Hotel Plevna.
During yesterday’s hearing, architect Ray Demicoli, representing the developers, argued that, once the historical context of the surrounding area had already been lost, it would be “strange” to retain the façades as part of the new design.
Din l-Art Ħelwa council member Joanna Spiteri Staines said: “There has been such a loss of heritage in the area already, these last three remaining examples should not be lost too.”