Demolition for 19th century St Julian’s home

A 19th century house on St Julian’s oldest road, Birkirkara Hill, is set for demolition to make the way for seven duplex apartments over four floors. The house has a unique, three-arched entrance porch and a rubble wall separating the garden from the street.

The Planning Authority’s case officer recommended the demolition because the building is not inside the urban conservation area (UCA) and because the height of the new building respects 2015 design guidelines. The design for a new façade was also deemed to respect the architectural character of the area.

Din l-Art Helwa is objecting and called on the PA to include Birkirkara Hill in the UCA to protect these buildings “from the aggressive grip of developers who want to tear down historical townhouses to replace them with smaller apartments.”

Din l-Art Helwa said the building was one of the first to be built in the area. The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has not been consulted over the application. A final decision will be taken by the PA on 10 January.