Cultural heritage body escalates Sliema to UNESCO panel

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) has raised concerns about a planning application seeking to reclaim land on the Sliema seafront for a large lido development, warning that the project could affect a UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone and recently nominated fortifications. The application was filed on 7 April by Strand Lido Ltd, Libyan Arab Maltese Holdings Company Limited (LAMHCO) and Sea Pebbles Ltd.

It seeks permission to reclaim land adjacent to the Sliema promenade leading towards Gżira. The proposed lido would include an outdoor swimming pool, a sun deck, two buildings housing facilities ancillary to the pool, Class 4D restaurants and a play area. The SCH submitted its concerns as part of the Planning Authority (PA) consultation process.

The proposed development would encroach into an Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV), a designation that exists to protect the setting and values of scheduled harbour fortifications. The site also falls within the proposed buffer zone of Valletta as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 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.

Citing potential impact on the values of the harbour and its fortifications, the SCH stated it is bringing the case to the attention of the National World Heritage Technical Committee (NWHTC). The SCH will issue further comments once the NWHTC concludes its analysis. The referral does not constitute a final recommendation on the planning application.

"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. If approved, the development would also partially conceal views towards Manoel Island, which has been earmarked for transformation into a public park. Policy NHRL01 of the North Harbour Local Plan designates the entirety of the promenade as a public open space.

The new application arrives after a separate lido led by a hotel consortium headed by Michael Stivala was already constructed on the promenade, obstructing direct sea views and restricting coastal access. That development includes two large restaurants open to the general public, not just hotel residents. Company records show Strand Lido Ltd is owned by Carmel Farrugia, Daniel Farrugia and Joseph Casha.

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. More than 650 people have objected to the proposed development.

"After they took our land, now they want to take over our coast and sea," one objector said. The Planning Authority has not yet issued a decision on the application.