[WATCH] University students’ council protest Sliema, Mriehel high-rise

University students’ council protest Sliema, Mriehel high-rise

Around 50 university students gathered at Qui Si Sana to protest against the Planning Authority’s approval of high-rise buildings in Sliema and Mriehel.

They called for the construction of high-rise buildings to be suspended pending the drafting of a national holistic masterplan, based on the concept of ‘smart eco-cities’.

Their views were penned in a report drafted by the university’s student council (KSU) and its social policy commission (KPS), which was endorsed by 51 student organisations including the two major student movements SDM and Pulse.

“We want a shift in the roadmap, towards development that is well-researched and sustainable,” KSU social policy coordinator told Etienne Buttigieg told the press.

Partit Demokratiku leader Marlene Farrugia, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar president Astrid Vella, and St Julian’s PN councillor Albert Buttigieg were all present at the protest.

In their report, KSU proposed the introduction of eco-city concepts, such as sustainable energy sources, green architecture, sustainable urban sewage systems, alternative transport methods, and xeriscaping.

“KSU acknowledges that there is a need to embrace the current interest shown for large development projects. This must be coupled with a gradual infrastructural change allowing the economy to develop hand in hand with the necessary research and technological input.

“The optimal path is currently not being taken. There is a need to provide green spaces and avoid visual impacts on surrounding areas and the Maltese skyline.”

The council also urged the authorities to foster a mentality where the population is aware of its surroundings and adapts towards Malta’s needs.

“This can only be done by safeguarding the rights of all strata of a peaceful society as part of a transformative and universal agenda that delivers sustainable development for all,” it said.

The Mriehel development – which will be developed by the Gasan and Tumas groups - envisages a new financial centre consisting of four tower blocks of 15, 17, 19 and 14 storeys, organised around a central piazza, and sitting on top of five basement levels. The towers will be connected by elevated walkways and bridges, and will include a supermarket, a gym, a showroom and retail facilities.

The Townsquare tower in Sliema – which will be developed by Gasan – will consist of 159 residential units, 4,719 square metres of offices, 8,241 square metres of commercial space and 748 parking spaces, as well as the restoration of Villa Drago.

At 38 storeys it will become the tallest building in Malta, dwarfing the Portomaso tower in St. Julian’s, which is 23 floors. The Sliema local council will appeal its development at the Environmental and Planning Review Tribunal on the grounds that it will severely impact residents and that it was approved despite a lack of impact studies.