Villa Bonici grounds should be scheduled - Sliema Resident Association

In a statement welcoming the scheduling of parts of Villa Bonici as grade 2 property, the SRA said it is a pity that the lower half of the garden was not considered for scheduling as well.  Apart from being an integral part of the Villa and its gardens, it has various unique features in every corner which also deserve protection.

“The scheduling seems to cover the Villa building itself and the garden within the upper boundary fence, the dance floor/open air cinema, the watch tower, panoramic balcony, grand staircase, niche, caretaker’s quarters and war-time shelter.”

Unfortunately, the SRA said, a large part of the lower garden and perimeter wall were already destroyed in the 1950’s to make way for construction of apartments at The Strand.  “These apartments are once more up for redevelopment to entirely close off all of Sliema within an eleven floor bastion like structure of apartments.”

SRA believes in the importance of scheduling all of the Villa Bonici estate which is necessary to improve the quality of life of the residents, reduce further development in an already unsustainable town and to leave the last major green lung, unique to Sliema thus deserving urgent protection, still standing. 

Furthermore, the SRA said it has been asking for the revision of building heights around this sensitive area, today more than ever, as this site is now scheduled.  “SRA‘s proposals also include the long promised home for the elderly.”

To view the SRA proposals and report on Villa Bonici click on the following shortcut  

http://www.sra.org.mt/reports_chronological_order?l=1 or go to the SRA website www.sra.org.mt under ‘Archive’ and then ‘Reports’ sections. 

The SRA reiterated that this is a first important step in improving the Sliema urban environment in the public interest.