Demolition work on Villa St Ignatius, a historic villa in Scicluna Street, Balluta, has begun despite Din l-Art Helwa and residents living in the area appealing for the landmark to be scheduled and protected.

The developer has obtained a Dangerous Structure Permit for the ‘complete demolition’ of the ‘existing dangerous structure including slabs in xorok and internal walls and erection of temporary boundary wall.’ The permit was granted on 17 July of this year.

Yesterday morning workers were seen demolishing the roof and internal structures of the building, as well as the façade.

Last week, Din l-Art Helwa and residents appealed for the landmark to be protected and asked for a conservation order to be issued.

The landmark, which was originally known as Bel-Vedere, was home to the first Jesuit College in Malta. The front of the old college is already protected; however, the villa, which is thought to be older, did not receive the same protection.