Sliema – to love and to loathe

The part of Sliema everyone knows and loves is its promenade – The Front. Yet, beyond it, Sliema’s 127 streets offer much to admire: the architecture of its old buildings, the craftsmanship of its stonework, the countless wooden balconies, wrought-iron gates and hidden gardens. Another reason to cherish Sliema is its people – or what remains of its longstanding community. And, of course, there is the long coastline, a natural asset that continues to define the town’s unique character.

Some may also admire Sliema’s modern architecture, though, too often, it amounts to little more than bland concrete blocks punctuated by doors and windows. Then, there is Sliema’s glitzy side: its food stores, shopping centres, luxury boutiques, cafés, hotels and ix-Xatt.

The part to loathe is the endless cycle of demolition and construction, broken pavements, damaged roads, the loss of gardens in old houses and the rise of towering developments. Our pavements are increasingly taken over by signs, tables and chairs, vegetable crates, ticket booths and tangled overhead wires. Then, there is the traffic, overflowing drains, loud music, drunken late-night revellers, rooftop parties, overstretched infrastructure and a growing decline in standards of public decorum.

The shift between old and modern Sliema reflects a deeper anthropological change in our way of life.

Once built as a residential town, Sliema is increasingly becoming a place of transit rather than settlement. What began as a community for residents is gradually transforming into a hub for business, tourism and non-nationals, used largely by people who are not there to build a family.

At some point, the idea of building with harmony, beauty and community purpose began to fade. It shifted partly due to pressures to reduce labour costs and partly because changing economic models made hotels, restaurants and apartments more profitable, with little regard for cohesion. Developers, no longer acting as town planners, sought instead to maximise every square metre of land for saleable real estate.

The part to loathe is the endless cycle of demolition and construction- David Pace O'Shea

Sliema is still caught in this tectonic clash. On one side are residents and families trying to preserve the town of ‘Sliem’, with the sense of beauty and character inherited from earlier generations. On the other is the business sector, seeking to make money from every airbnb, bed night, table, excursion and boat trip, on land and at sea. Unfortunately, those calling for solutions are sometimes the same ones contributing to the problem.

Who should have the greatest say in Sliema’s future? Does the Planning Authority have a clear vision for a harmonious residential town? Does the government intend to plan Sliema in consultation with residents and other key stakeholders? Does the local council, representing only a third of the electorate, have the mandate or strength to decide such matters? And can residents themselves, through their Residents’ Association, become a meaningful force in shaping how Sliema will look in 20 years’ time?

There are many stakeholders involved in the proper functioning of Sliema: the police, the Church, clubs, schools, the business sector, the Sliema local council, residents’ associations, the Planning Authority, Transport Malta and others. Shouldn’t they meet at least twice a year to jointly devise, review and plan its future?

In the meantime, we Sliema residents, in collaboration with the local council and the Sliema Residents’ Association, can still do much to make our Sliema better. The Għaqda Residenti Slimiżi (Facebook page) has already taken many initiatives, including organising meetings between residents and the authorities. 

Over the past three years, its Facebook page membership has grown to over 4,000 members. In the coming months, alongside highlighting the many irregularities that concern us, the Sliema Residents’ Association will also take initiatives aimed at making Sliema an even more enjoyable and beloved place to live.

David Pace O’Shea is a member on the Għaqda Residenti Slimiżi.