Sliema telephone exchange site earmarked for seven-storey block

A massive seven-storey development consisting of 59 apartments, seven penthouses, three maisonettes and 89 garages set on three basement levels is being proposed instead of a former telephone exchange building set in the corner between Parisio Street and Triq Moroni in Sliema.  

The building will abut on Rodolfu lane.

The Sliema Old Telephone Exchange was sold by Malta Properties Company, a spin-off from GO plc, subject to an ongoing lease agreement for €5 million to Toncam Properties, which is owned by developer Anton Camilleri and Caman Properties – which forms part of the A. Camilleri Group of Companies.

The existing building is described by the superintendence for cultural heritage as “a twentieth century building of prominent architectural value”.

The Sliema Old Telephone Exchange was sold by Malta Properties Company, a spin-off from GO plc, subject to an ongoing lease agreement for €5 million to Toncam Properties

According to the superintendence the existing building should be protected and incorporated in any proposed development. 

In their submissions to the Planning Authority, a number of residents have complained that the development will increase the area’s population by at least 200 new residents. 

Residents have also called on the PA to consider the cumulative aspect of other projects envisaged in the area.

These include a four-storey block instead of a derelict building between upper and lower Parisio Street and another corner development between Viani and Parisio streets.

In its submissions to the PA the Sliema council has called for a Traffic Impact Assessment, noting that the area is not easily accessible from the main road network as it is “nestled in the middle of minor residential roads”.