‘Disney-fied’ Sliema townhouse angers conservationists

One of Sliema’s finest examples of art deco architecture on Dingli Street, may see four new storeys and a penthouse constructed over it, after the Planning Authority’s design advisory committee (DAC) said it was “not averse” to the development.

As further development encroaches on the last two-storey grand homes of the central Sliema road, developer Euchar Vella and his company Karkanja plan to turn the ‘Assisi’ townhouse into an apartment block, while retaining the façade.

The DAC is composed of architects David Mallia, Ray Demicoli, and art historian Charlene Vella, and advises the PA on the design quality of buildings and their impact on surroundings.

Additionally, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage did not object to the addition of new storeys, but advised the architect to change the façade of the building.

The Sliema Historical Society took umbrage at the SCH’s call for “feeble amendments” which will simply enhance “the Disney-fication of this fine house”.

The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage did not object to the addition of new storeys, but advised the architect to change the façade of the building

It also noted that it was the Superintendence which back in 2008 had saved two other similar townhouses from the same fate. On that occasion the Superintendence insisted that retaining the façade was not enough because the two buildings were considered as “rare surviving examples” of art deco houses.

The house forms part of a well-preserved row of two-storey dwellings designed by Architect Gustavo Vincenti, an exponent of the arts nouveau and deco architectural movement. Wealthy residents commissioned architects like him at a time when Dingli Street was a highly desirable place to live in.

The building includes a spiral staircase leading to the roof, which the Superintendence wants dismantled and integrated in the development. A chapel altar should “also be preserved and integrated in one of the lateral front rooms”.