Improved infrastructure to swim zones was more than welcome but handing over the Sliema seafront to private lidos was not, mayor Anthony Chircop warned yesterday.

He was contacted for his reaction to newly appointed Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi’s announcement that the government was considering turning areas such as the former Chalet in Sliema into “beach leisure facilities”.

Once a landmark, but demolished several years ago after decades of disuse, the Chalet structure along Għar id-Dud was a popular destination.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Dr Mizzi said other spots between Pembroke and St Julian’s were also being considered for public private partnerships as they were popular with tourists but needed upgrading.

Other spots between Pembroke and St Julian’s were also being considered for public private partnerships

The comments sparked a debate among Sliema residents, with many questioning what the minister meant by “beach leisure facilities” and whether this would mean they would now have to pay to swim in beaches they had been visiting for free all of their lives.

“Did the minister mean the coast would get an artificial beach like St George’s Bay? Or will we see a proliferation of private beach clubs that take up all the coast?” resident Marie Gauci wrote on a Sliema residents’ Facebook group.

Questions sent to Dr Mizzi on the government’s plans were not answered by the time of writing.

Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Mr Chircop, meanwhile, said the council would contest the privatisation of the seafront, insisting this was there to be enjoyed by all.

That said, he agreed that the front was dying for increased investment, and the council had since written to Dr Mizzi for a meeting to discuss this further.

“The council is all in favour of introducing better facilities such as changing rooms, walkways and seaside ladders and will be glad to discuss this with the government,” he said.

Mr Chircop said the idea of a man-made sandy beach was a non-starter as the seabed between Sliema front and St Julian's could not accommodate one.

“There are rocks and then deep water, I can't see where you could have a sandy beach,” he said.

Sliema was not the only place being eyed by the government.

Dr Mizzi said investment would also be made at Għadira Bay to make it a “top European beach”.

The site is in need of improved walkways and many often complain of the beach being taken over by deckchairs and umbrellas available for hire.

Dr Mizzi said the government was also considering investing in Marsaxlokk, Birżebbuġa and Wied iż-Żurrieq.