The developers of the Townsquare project in Sliema are to reduce the height of the proposed tower by 37 metres, equivalent to 11 storeys of the previous tower.

Townsquare has submitted new designs to the Planning Authority following a decision in May by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal which stated that the developers must effect certain revisions to the project application which the PA had approved in 2016.

The Townsquare tower project had been sent back to the Planning Authority for a new decision after the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal accepted an appeal by NGOs against its approval.

Read: Townsquare back to square one - Tribunal sends plans back to the PA

"Our new designs comprehensively address the revisions requested in the appeal decision; but also incorporate a tower that has been significantly reduced in height," a spokesman for Townsquare said.

The project, set over a 12,000 square metre site, will still retain the same volume of open space as originally proposed, some 7,500sqm, that will become the largest pedestrian zone in Sliema's town centre, the developers said.

Villa Drago incorporated within the project.

This area has also been reconfigured to include a better flow for pedestrians, substantially more greenery and a landscaped rear garden – all accessible to the public.

The new tower will be made up of one double-heighted commercial ground-level and 27 residential levels, but since these have lower height dimensions it will be equivalent to 27 levels of the previous tower.

Townsquare is a quality mixed-use project comprising high-end residential units and a commercial area.

The development will comprise 159 apartments, retail outlets, a business centre, a range of dining outlets, cafes and ample underground parking. Restoration of the historical Villa Drago also remains an integral part the project.

The €100 million project was narrowly approved by the Planning Authority in September 2016/ The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Sliema local council and various NGOs including Din L-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar had quickly appealed that decision. 

Townsquare is owned by Townsquare Sliema Limited, a joint-venture between the Ganado, Gasan, Soler and Trapani-Galea families.
The new design statement and visuals may be viewed on the Townsquare website, while further information may be obtained from the Townsquare Project Office in Tigné Street, Sliema. A helpline for residents is also available on 2789 6034 or 2133 1560.

An artist's impression of the project once completed.