Malta Tourism Authority Greenlights Stivala’s 15-Storey Sliema Hotel

In the heart of Sliema, on the corner of the Strand and St Vincent Street, developer Carlo Stivala’s ambitious plans to build a 15-storey, three-star hotel have sparked a controversy and objections from the public and environmentalists.

The plans to demolish existing structures, while keeping most of the existing facades intact, have been met with a surprising green light from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

Despite the array of objections, the MTA affirmed that they found “no objection since the proposal is still within the parameters of the Tourism Compliance Certificate dated 7th May 2023”.

Stivala’s proposal to construct this sizeable hotel on a street primarily characterised by townhouses has led to widespread criticism. Many argue the proposed hotel is grossly ill-suited for the narrow St Vincent Road.

The outcry extends to environmentalists and legal professionals, such as lawyer Claire Bonello, who voiced her objections to the project.

According to Bonello, the planned development violates existing policies, primarily concerning the proposed height of the building which exceeds the area’s limitations. She added that the internal heights outlined in the plans are “abysmally low and in breach of sanitary laws”.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the site already holds a valid permit for a nine-floor residential block, granted previously to Stivala’s brother, Michael, despite opposition from the assigned case officer. A later application to alter the development to an office block was retracted.

This contentious development surfaces amidst a revealing study by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.