A gorgeous townhouse in Lija has been earmarked for development, and we're not quite sure how to feel about what's being proposed. An application concerning the historic townhouse located in Triq il-Forn was filed with the Planning Authority, and while the plans are yet to be approved, the application proposes quite the extensive redevelopment.

The application

The PA application states the “proposed construction of five ground floor and five first floor apartments (10 in total) including two lifts, washrooms at roof level, and four underlying levels of basement level lock up garages for domestic use (49 garages in total).” 

And that’s not all. The works will also include “internal demolition of existing garage/store retaining façade, removal of garden/boundary wall, excavation and closing of access from adjacent property.”

The townhouse and Salvatore Xerri

The house was local architect Salvatore Xerri’s residence and was built in the 1820s. Typical elements of 19^th century architecture include the simple carved pilasters of the arched doorway and balcony, and the neo-classical details of the window’s pediments at upper floor level, as described by Urban Architecture in a post on Facebook. 

Architect Xerri served as the Capo Maestro for Rural Property in 1808 and the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works later in 1814. He also played an important role in the constructions of the Bighi Naval Hospital used during the British period.

Locals aren’t too happy about this proposal, but what do you think?