Gzira façade to be demolished despite heritage watchdog’s objection

The Planning Authority has approved the demolition of three townhouses to make way for another six-storey block in Carlo Manche Street in Gzira, ignoring a memo sent by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage calling for the protection of the existing façade of the building

In a memo sent in September the heritage watchdog claimed that the existing facades contribute to the “aesthetic and architectural value of the existing streetscape” and should not be demolished.

The properties in question consist of traditional townhouses dating back to the first part of the twentieth century.

But the case officer report does not even refer to the historical value of the facades and the objections raised by the Superintendence. The report simply refers to a request made by the superintendence made in the same memo for a photographic survey of the building and for revised plans.  

The case officer claimed that since SCH was re-consulted and since no reply was received within the timeframe required, its position “is construed as a no objection.” The case officer insisted that the new development is in line to local plan and respects the streetscape. The development will create a new blank party wall bordering a neighbouring townhouse.

In 2002 the PA had refused an application to open a garage door on the façade of the existing building.