Chalet development project

The Sliema promenade Chalet project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, is another step closer to being realised.

The application to demolish the existing structure and the excavation of the promenade by C&F Construction Ltd is subject to an environmental impact assessment, according to a legal notice in the Government Gazette.

The public has been invited to submit to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority any issues it wants to see included in the EIA within three weeks.

The project for the demolition and restoration of the Chalet, a popular night spot about 60 years ago, dates back to 1989. The project was intended to be finalised by 1991. Since then the project had changed substantially.

When the original call for tenders was issued, three proposals were submitted, with the winning company being expected to pump about Lm1 million into its development. In 1998, together with the restoration of the Chalet, a group of businessmen and hoteliers also proposed the construction of a one-storey car park under Ghar id-Dud. But the proposal to rebuild the Chalet was only met with 14 per cent approval at the time.

In 1999, it was reported that another call for tenders for the redevelopment of the Chalet was soon to be issued. It was also stated that the lease would be extended and that if the new tender received no response, the government would have to contemplate dismantling the present dilapidated structure.

That year the Planning Authority approved the Chalet development plan. By 2000, the project was to include a car park for 300 cars and work was intended to be completed within 24 months of the signing of the contract. The development application was then submitted for the project.