Planning Authority approves Sliema car park with overlying playground

The Planning Authority (PA) has approved a multi-storey carpark that will demolish the existing playground on Tower Road in Sliema. However, a statement released by the PA said that a new overlying playground will replace the existing one.

The site for the multi-storey carpark, said to take up nearly 200 cars, is adjacent to the 17th century De Redin coastal tower known as it-Torri.

"The purpose of this project is to utilise the space underneath the existing playground and to make the best use of the difference in levels between Tower Road and the street at a lower level. The new parking facility will decrease the burden of cars within the area while providing new high quality recreational facilities for the family at street and promenade levels," the PA said.

The authority said that it consulted with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, especially since works will be carried out within the buffer zone of the Grade 1 scheduled tower and battery.

"Plans were revised to remove any visual clutter and impact on the historic building. The location of the restrooms have also been relocated and removed from the buffer zone of the historical tower," the statement read.

The planning application was submitted by the Sliema Local Council.