The fate of this Balzan modernist house has been decided. The PA has voted to grant permission for its demolishment and building of apartments in its place.

The decision comes despite locals’ and groups’ efforts to save such a unique house. The vote was cast on Wednesday which was in favour of tearing down the 1960s modernist house called Walmarville, or more commonly known by residents as ‘The Diamond House’ after its distinctive diamond patterns.

The proposal will see a maisonette, three apartments, a pool at penthouse level and a four-car garage at basement level being built at No. 144, Old Railway Street. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage pleaded for the retention of such a house, or at least its façade, also asking for the application process to be held off until the process for scheduling such properties in the street were decided.

However, the request was rejected by the board that said the facades couldn’t be retained as the excavation of the basement required the entire building to be demolished, which they said is of “paramount importance.”

“The board is not taking the advice of the body that is tasked with safeguarding cultural heritage as it should be and they relinquished their rights as a board to send it back to the drawing board because parking is more important that our heritage,” Din l-Art Helwa rep Joanna Spiteri Staines said in comments to Times of Malta.

Just this week, local photographer Daniel Cilia also made an appeal to save the house. “Take any action to save it. After all, this house is an integral part of OUR Cultural Heritage! Walmarville should be saved for future generations.” Unfortunately, the pleas have fallen on deaf ears it seems.

Do you agree with the decision?