The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has given the green light to an application that is proposing to turn two landmark (and historic) townhouses in Saqajja at the entrance to Rabat and Mdina, into a boutique hotel.
According to several sources, the cultural watchdog filed a report with the Planning Authority saying it had taken note of the developer’s scaled-down plans, which included the removal of the rooftop pool, and was no longer objecting to the project.
“The Superintendence notes that the proposed development respects the architectural value and the context of the historical property and would not object to the development as proposed,” it said.
They also said they’ll be liaising with the PA to ensure that the houses overlooking Saqajja Square and the nearby 19th and 20th century houses on St Augustine’s Avenue will receive adequate protection. The proposal still needs to go through the PA, but has marked house numbered 14 and 15 on Saqajja Square and 12 and 13 on St Augustine’s Avenue.
News broke about the application last November, which sparked controversy among locals, leading many to ask: is it really necessary? 3,000 objections were reportedly received, and the developer reduced the number of rooms and dropped the height from five to four storeys.
The original plan also included opening new apertures in the façade, but have since been removed, “limiting the impact on the architectural and aesthetic value of the façade.” Plans to excavate a store room were also removed from the plans “reflecting concerns on the archaeological sensitivity of the area.”
What do you think about the proposal?