Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546133
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 AUGUST 2026 NEWS New Bormla elderly home will loom larger over Santa Margerita chapel NEW plans for the reconstruction of the Bormla elderly home envis- age a larger building that looms over the historic Santa Margerita chapel, prompting heritage con- cerns. In comments submitted to the Planning Authority, the Super- intendence for Cultural Heritage expressed concern that the pro- posed development could exceed the height and volume of the ex- isting structure, which occupies a prominent site within Bormla's Urban Conservation Area. "The proposed building will ex- ceed the existing building in both height and volume," the Super- intendence warned, requesting additional documentation before issuing its final opinion. Heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa is also strongly objecting to the application warning that any sig- nificant increase in development density is detrimental to the char- acter of the area. The application, filed by devel- oper Anton Schembri, concerns the reconstruction of the old peo- ple's home after the implementa- tion of demolition works already authorised under a separate per- mit. The proposed home would ac- commodate 72 rooms spread across eight levels, including a basement floor. The current building, which dates back to 1999, rises to six floors along Triq il-Konservatorju and Triq Santa Margerita, and five floors along Triq San Ġużepp. The site occupies a sensitive lo- cation adjacent to the Santa Mar- gerita chapel and falls within both the Urban Conservation Area and the designated Area of High Land- scape Value covering the Harbour Fortifications of Bormla. The superintendence requested overlay drawings comparing the existing and proposed plans, ele- vations and sections. It also asked for a volumetric study illustrat- ing how the new building would appear from specific viewpoints around the site. The authority said it would pro- vide its detailed comments only after receiving the requested in- formation. The rebuilding project follows the closure of the home in June 2023, when government evacu- ated around 120 residents after serious structural safety concerns emerged. These concerns were linked to the quality of concrete used in the building. The abrupt relocation sparked protests from residents and crit- icism from the Nationalist Party, which argued that elderly resi- dents and their families had not been adequately consulted and had suffered unnecessary emo- tional distress. At the time, the ministry respon- sible for active ageing offered al- ternative accommodation in facil- ities in Sliema, Tarxien and Paola, allowing families to choose their preferred location. In 2023, the Planning Authority had approved a government ap- plication to demolish part of the building and reconstruct it using a layout that would not exceed the existing volume and number of floors. A €102 million public tender to demolish, design, rebuild and op- erate the Bormla home was subse- quently issued in 2024. Following the award of the ten- der, the successful bidder submit- ted fresh planning applications for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of the new elderly home. Reporting by James Debono The application concerns the reconstruction of the old people's home after the implementation of demolition works already authorised under a separate permit Exclusive discounts for Mapfre Clients! App Scan Scan Scan the QR Code the QR Code the QR Code & & & download download download the app now! the app now! the app now! Scan the QR Code & download the app now!