Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543022
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS Carlo Stivala applies to regularise Sliema building demolition HOTELIER Carlo Stivala has submitted a new application (PA 771/26) to regularise the dem- olition of the façade of a Sliema building fronting Triq ix-Xatt and Triq San Vincenz, where a 15-sto- rey hotel was approved last year. The permit issued in 2025 was based on plans showing the pres- ervation of the building's façade, with the application itself stating that "the majority of the existing façades" would be kept. The con- struction site is currently hidden behind a scaffolding. In the submission of the original application, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage noted that the properties in question, dating to the nineteenth century, have a degree of historical and architec- tural value. The Superintendence also ex- pressed concerns about the inter- nal demolition of the building and the massing of the new structure. Nevertheless, the permit was ap- proved. The new plans suggest that the original façade will be entirely replaced by a modern structure. Two basement levels are now being proposed: one to host an indoor pool, sauna, and multipur- pose hall, and another to accom- modate parking for ten cars. The application also proposes an additional two levels over those approved in 2025 to reach 17 lev- els. A demountable light weight tent is also being proposed on the 18th level. The height increase is partly achieved by demolishing the old building and replacing it with lower floors, even though the plans indicate an increase in the overall height of the hotel. Apart from sanctioning the façade demolition, the latest ap- plication includes a different lay- out for the hotel and the addition of two ground-floor shops on Triq ix-Xatt. The building formerly housed a Labour Party club, which will be replaced by the new hotel. The hotel will abut Triq San Vincenz, a street still characterised by a row of old houses with a uniform height of three floors. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Site of construction site hidden behind scaffolding