The Planning Authority has approved the redesigned plans of the 28-storey Townsquare project in Sliema.

The planned tower was reduced by 11 storeys (37 metres), with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Sliema local council, Din L-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) and other eNGOs all appealing against the initial plans.

The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal even revoked the original permit in May of last year, over concerns of its visual impact from Sliema, Gzira, Valletta, and Bighi.

Initially approved by a single vote margin, the project has been controversial with residents in the area who have flagged concerns over the traffic and infrastructural issues already plaguing the area.

The new permit was approved by a majority of seven voted to three. The objectors were chairman Vince Cassar, Environment Resources Authority chairman Victor Asciak and NGO representative Annick Bonnello.

The height has been reduced to alleviate these concerns with the number of apartments remaining the same (159). However, there has been a significant reduction in the floor space for commercial outlets, including retail and food.

Built on the former Union Club and Villa Drago, the project will have 7,500 square metres of landscaped open piazzas, gardens and walkways, in what developers have described as the largest pedestrian zone in the heavily-developed area.

In a statement, Townsquare CEO Peter Diacono said:

“We have gone to great lengths over the past year to address, and go beyond, the revisions requested by the Environment and Planning ReviewTribunal and are delighted that the Planning Authority has acknowledged these efforts.

“We have brought together the very best local and international talent and will now start working to make our vision a reality. Townsquare will be a project of the highest quality, and our team are excited to begin this next chapter to create a new dynamic space that Sliema can be proud of.”

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