A large St Julian’s project which will involve the development of both residential apartments as well as commercial space has been completely repudiated by the local council, NGOs and residents.
NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA), together with St Julian’s mayor Albert Buttigieg today addressed a press conference to express their concern regarding the extensive development project, in one of the town’s narrowest streets.
FAA Coordinator Astrid Vella said that this project, proposed by TUM Invest, would involve the development of 62 apartments, garages and commercial space between the narrow streets of St. Elias Street and B’Kara Hill.”
This project would involve the demolition of what is thought to be the oldest surviving house in St Julian’s.
Vella said that, “this is yet another case which will result in the over-development of this Urban Conservation Area which is expected to be followed by a twin development on the remaining area.”
She further explained that this area is already extremely busy and can’t even cope with the present traffic flow. “Therefore, the development of such a huge project within these very narrow roads will only make matters worse.”
Vella said that, “within the local plan, due to the enormity of the project, there is a special policy for it because they foresaw that something would happen here.” She insisted that, “when you have a site that has its own policy, one will definitely need a development plan or at least an outline application of the whole project, and not a project that is broken down into smaller parts.”
This type of development requires certain essential studies, she said. Vella remarked that Transport Malta has already clearly stated that it will also probably need a transport impact assessment due to the narrow roads.
“These developers are people who roll over everyone and do what they please,” she said.
Mayor Buttigieg said that St Julian’s has become a place which is “constantly being attacked by developers, and our residents cannot take it anymore as this is changing the locality’s whole identity.”
He added that, “St Julian’s has become a place where more importance is being given to businesses rather than residents. Although businesses are important for the economy, it cannot always be the residents who suffer.”
“Developers have not only taken our sidewalks and limited parking spaces but have now also taken our sea as well in order to simply satisfy their greed and selfishness.”
He remarked that with all these developments, St Julian’s is becoming a “depressed luxurious area.”
The PA Board is expected to decide on the development on 22 July.