Heritage watchdog raises alarm over Sliema lido plans

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) has raised concerns over controversial plans to reclaim land along the Sliema seafront for the construction of a large lido.

The heritage watchdog has warned the development would extend into a protected landscape area safeguarding the setting of Malta's historic harbour fortifications.

In comments submitted as part of the Planning Authority consultation process, the SCH noted that the proposed development would encroach into an Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV), specifically designated to protect the context and values of the scheduled harbour fortifications.

The site also falls within the proposed buffer zone of Valletta as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prompting the heritage authority to flag the application for further scrutiny.

"Given the potential impact on the values of the harbour and its fortifications, the Superintendence is bringing the case to the attention of the National World Heritage Technical Committee," the SCH said.

The authority added that it will issue further comments once the National World Heritage Technical Committee (NWHTC) concludes its analysis.

The SCH also highlighted that the same harbour fortifications form a significant part of The Maltese Fortifications of the Knights of St John, recently nominated for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The application, filed in 7 April, seeks permission for land reclamation adjacent to the popular Sliema promenade leading towards Gżira. The reclaimed area would accommodate a lido comprising of an outdoor swimming pool, sun deck, two buildings housing facilities ancillary to the pool, Class 4D restaurants and a play area.

If approved, the project would alter one of Malta's busiest coastal promenades and partially conceal views towards Manoel Island, which has been earmarked for transformation into a public park.

Another lido proposed by another hotel consortium led by Michael Stivala has already changed promenade dynamics obstructing direct views of the sea and restricting coastal access to a small corridor circling around the lido which is often obstructed and largely avoided by pedestrians. Moreover, the development includes two big restaurants catering for the general public and not just hotel residents.

The most recent application was submitted by Strand Lido Ltd, Libyan Arab Maltese Holdings Company Limited (LAMHCO) and Sea Pebbles Ltd.

According to company records, Strand Lido Ltd is owned by Carmel Farrugia, Daniel Farrugia and Joseph Casha, while Sea Pebbles Ltd is owned by Joseph and Josephine Casha.

LAMHCO is a Malta-Libya government investment company established in 1975 to undertake major investments in manufacturing and hospitality.

The intervention by the SCH does not amount to a final recommendation on the application. However, by referring the case to the National World Heritage Technical Committee, the heritage authority has signalled that the proposal raises wider concerns about the protection of the Grand Harbour's historic landscape and the integrity of one of Malta's most iconic coastal vistas.

More than 650 people have objected to the proposed development in the past weeks.

“After they took our land, now they want to take over our coast and sea,” one of the objectors warned.

Policy NHRL01 of the North Harbour Local Plan, designates the entirety of the promenade as a public open space.