New lido on reclaimed land proposed in Sliema

A development application has been submitted to develop a lido on 2,861 square metres of reclaimed land along the Strand, opposite the Black Gold and other popular bars.

The new development proposed by Strand D Lido Limited includes two restaurants, a kiosk, and a swimming pool surrounded by 158 sun beds. The restaurants will occupy 389 and 199 square metres respectively. 

The development will not impact on the existing promenade but pedestrian access to the coastline will be limited to a narrow public passage along the sea. It emulates a similar development proposed by four hotels in Gzira, which was approved by the Planning Authority in June.

The 2,200 square metre hotels lido along the promenade of Triq ix-Xatt in Gzira was approved unanimously by the PA board. The project consists of an outdoor swimming pool, a sundeck area, two restaurants, and a recreational play area for public use.

While voting in favour of the development, board member and Environment Resources Authority chairman Victor Axiaq had expressed concern that the project could set a precedent for other developments. He also called for a masterplan for the entire area before individual projects are approved, asking whether other hotels in the area, which have not joined this venture, may be tempted to come up with a similar scheme. 

The application is still at a preliminary stage and the Planning Authority still has to issue a screening letter evaluating whether the proposal conforms to existing policies.