Superintendence objects to Senglea hotel

Despite a reduction in height from four to three floors, the heritage authorities are still objecting to the development of a hotel near the Labour Party club in Senglea.

The new hotel would impinge on views taking the centre stage from the nearby 16th century church of St Julian’s.

The plans presented by the developer, Saviour Pace, originally envisaged a receded third and fourth storey. 

The application now proposes the restoration of the existing façade and the construction of a full second floor and a receded third floor.

In a letter sent to MEPA last week the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage noted that the construction of a third floor level would negatively impact existing views from across the harbour. 

“Such a third floor level will create a high blank wall to the east of the property which will encourage further vertical development in this sensitive area,” the Superintendence wrote.

But the Superintendence will drop its objection if the third floor level is removed.

The property earmarked for the development dates back to the early seventeenth century.

The Senglea Historical Society is also objecting because the hotel will not only darken the neighbouring internal yards but will dwarf the 16th century cupola of the church of St Julian’s.