New lido on reclaimed land proposed in Sliema

A development application has been submitted to develop a lido on 2,861 square metres of reclaimed land along the Strand.

James Debono Malta Today 25 November 2016 

A development application has been submitted to develop a lido on 2,861 square metres of reclaimed land along the Strand, opposite the Black Gold and other popular bars.

The new development proposed by Strand D Lido Limited includes two restaurants, a kiosk, and a swimming pool surrounded by 158 sun beds. The restaurants will occupy 389 and 199 square metres respectively. 

The development will not impact on the existing promenade but pedestrian access to the coastline will be limited to a narrow public passage along the sea. It emulates a similar development proposed by four hotels in Gzira, which was approved by the Planning Authority in June.

The 2,200 square metre hotels lido along the promenade of Triq ix-Xatt in Gzira was approved unanimously by the PA board. The project consists of an outdoor swimming pool, a sundeck area, two restaurants, and a recreational play area for public use.

While voting in favour of the development, board member and Environment Resources Authority chairman Victor Axiaq had expressed concern that the project could set a precedent for other developments. He also called for a masterplan for the entire area before individual projects are approved, asking whether other hotels in the area, which have not joined this venture, may be tempted to come up with a similar scheme. 

The application is still at a preliminary stage and the Planning Authority still has to issue a screening letter evaluating whether the proposal conforms to existing policies.

Marine Friendly Bins donated to Sliema Local Council

3 marine-friendly bins have been donated by Marine PT Bins Malta to Sliema Local Council. These bins will be placed near the Ferry departure/arrival point at the Strand. This student project is intended to promote the practice of havng covered marine bins so as to help reduce waste in the sea.

For more information about this project check out the following link: https://www.facebook.com/Marine-PT-Bins-Malta-1300437589966849/?fref=ts

Sliema Kon-tiki Challenge

Please click on picture to see it in larger format

Sliema - Valletta ferry to travel by night this summer

Tim Diacono
Malta Today
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/53129/valletta_ferry_to_travel_by_night_this_summer?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#.VWLw4E-qqkr


The ferry service between Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities will operate during the night this summer.

Between 1 June and 30 September, the last ferry between Valletta and Sliema will depart at midnight, while the last ferry between Valletta and Cottonera will depart at 11pm.

The new schedule was announced following negotiations between the Valletta 2018 foundation and the ship's operators, Fortel.

"V18 is about the social and economic regeneration of the jewel of Valletta, and its results are starting to show," V18 chairman Jason Micallef said.

"We want to breathe more life into Valletta though, and these new ferry times will allow people to travel to the capital by night to visit the Manoel Theatre, the Royal Theatre Square and the St James Cavalier."

He argued that a ferry ride from Sliema to Valletta only takes five minutes, compared to an hour by car.

"Sea transport is the best solution to Malta's traffic problems," Micallef said. "Why are we so behind other countries with regards alternative means of transport? Malta needs to change its car mentality."

Marsamxetto Steamferry Services Ltd managing director Michael Zammit Tabona said that the new service will be extended to winter if the summer service proves to be a success.

Between 1 October and 31 May, the last ferry from Valletta to both Sliema and Cottonera currently departs at 7pm.

Initiatives in education, disability and maritime affairs

In this article - which also appears in the Sliema Local Council magazine (April 2014) - I would like to speak about some current initiatives undertaken by the Sliema Local Council in areas related to maritime affairs, education and disability.

As regards Maritime Affairs the Council is doing its utmost to keep increasing accessibility, safety and cleanliness of beaches. In addition to the recent construction of ramps and installation of railings, as well as improved signage, we aim to have more accessible steps, handrails and ladders in areas which were highlighted to us by residents and swimmers. Next Summer we will also have a beach fully accessible for dogs at the Fortina Area.

The Council also commissioned an underwater study and clean-up in the Exiles area, which is frequently littered with different types of material. We are also planning to have better waste management in all our beaches.

One should appreciate that whilst the Local Council has full authority of in certain aspects related to accessibility and cleanliness, we depend on co-operation and approval of Government Authorities for others.

In this regard, Sliema Local Council recently presented various proposals to the Central Government related to tourism, some of which were related to beach management.

As regards disability, Sliema Local Council acknowledges that there is a long way to go to increase accessibility and social justice, especially when one recognizes that disability has plural dimensions. Yet we are involved in both small and large initiatives in this area, as this is a Council priority. One current initiative we are undertaking is the new playing field at Independence Gardens, which will hopefully be in place by Summer. Professional consultation was carried out by the Council to ensure that persons with disability have access to the swings.

As regards education, once again our courses – including those which form part of the Lifelong Learning initiative - are proving to be a success, especially since they cover different areas ranging from languages to life-skills and health. In the coming weeks we will be planning for new courses for the coming months. Suggestions and feedback from residents are more than welcome

Our library is as popular as ever, and I once again encourage parents to send their children (aged 4-7) to storytelling sessions on Saturday mornings between 9am and 10am.

Some other interesting Local Council initiatives currently in place include the preparation for the Summer Sliema Arts Festival, as well as the upgrading of various services – ranging from waste management to upkeep of public conveniences – to ensure the best service possible. We are also giving priority to sustainability and fairness as regards expenditure programmes and management of public spaces and services.

Disability, Education and Maritime Affairs

Michael Briguglio

Sliema Local Council Magazine, Summer 2013


It is with pleasure that this is my fourth legislature as Sliema local councillor since 2003. It is also very satisfying to note that the previous council won a vote of confidence in March’s local elections. The positive and forward-looking attitude by councillors and staff surely played an important role in this regard.

My responsibilities for the 2013-17 legislature are issues related to disability, education and maritime affairs. I also form part of the Council’s committees on finance, public offers and EU affairs.

In this article I wish to point out some of my priorities in the respective fields.

As regards disability, it is important to note that there are various forms of disability. Despite the increased awareness on the rights of persons with disability, ignorance still persists on this issue. For example, people with disability should not be seen as one homogenous group. There are various degrees and types of disability, from the physical to the intellectual and such identities intersect with other identities that each individual has such as gender, class, sexuality, age, and ethnicity. If one translates this to social policy, one would realize that, while all persons with disability should have their rights guaranteed, one cannot adopt one-size-fits-all policies. Persons with disability should have full access to the political, social, economic and cultural spheres of everyday life. Otherwise, it would be society which is disabling people.

One important priority regarding disability is to ensure that Sliema is a fully accessible locality. The current council is working on safer pedestrian pathways, more accessible pavements and public buildings and more accessible beaches. We also intend to ensure that all public spaces, including playing fields, are fully accessible.

As regards education, the Sliema Local Council will shortly launch the Lifelong Learning scheme for 2013-4. As was the case with previous years, the scheme was very successful last year. Next year we aim to further diversify courses on offer, where we also aim to include courses related to wellbeing, social and cultural issues and healthy living, in addition to language courses.

Following various upgrades at the Sliema Library, which is situated in the Primary School building, this year we aim to keep giving this service the importance it deserves. The library is constantly purchasing new books and also offers services such as storytelling for children, internet access and WI-FI.

As regards Maritime Affairs, one main priority is to ensure that beaches are well-organized, accessible and clean. It is for this reason that apart from the public cleaning services, Sliema Local Council works with NGOs and civic-minded persons for beach and underwater clean-ups. As regards the latter, much more awareness has to be created. This is important not only for the maritime ecology, but also for our diving industry, which is an important touristic niche. Sliema Local Council is also ensuring that beaches are not glorified carparks.

Another initiative in which I am involved with other fellow councillors is the drive to make Sliema the most bicycle-friendly locality. Last year we increased bicycle racks, but now is the time to introduce policies to make sure that this green form of transport is enhanced. Bikers’ and pedestrians’ safety is a key priority in this respect. For this reason, Sliema Local Council is regularly meeting persons involved in the field, including members of the Bicycle Advocacy Group.

I wish to emphasize that in various matters, Sliema Local Council depends on approval and/or assistance from Governmental Ministries/Departments/Authorities. In relation to local council reform, this is is a matter that in itself deserves due attention and discussion.

I invite all those who wish to give a helping hand or to send me suggestions regarding the areas I referred to above by emailing me at mbrig@hotmail.com.

Online version of Sliema Local Council Magazine - click here

Maritime Day in Sliema - Sunday May 19th

Sliema Local Council will be participating in European Maritime Day on Sunday 19th May, between 9am and 1pm.

Events:

Exiles (Taormina area, under Peppi's):
Boat ride for kids
Knotting
Fishing competition
Old boats display
Bar

Exiles & Qui-si-sana:
Underwater clean-up
All qualified divers are invited to participate.
Tanks and weights - free of charge
Drinks and refreshments provided


Balluta to Fond Ghadir:
Beach clean-up
Everyone is invited to participate
Garbage pickers, globes and bags provided.



Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/460136707400396/?fref=ts

Maritime Day in Sliema

On Sunday 19th May, Sliema Local Council will be participating in the European Maritime Day.

The Sliema Local Council will be announcing its programme in the coming days.

In the meantime, if anyone is interested in joining the Maritime Subcommittee of the Sliema Local Council, one can contact me at mbrig@hotmail.com

Michael Briguglio
Local Councillor

My responsibilities in Sliema Local Council 2013-7

In the first official meeting of the Sliema Local Council (2013-7), I was assigned the following responsibilities: Maritime Affairs, Education; Disability Issues. I chair the Education Committee and I form part of the Finance, Public Offers and EU committees.

I invite those interested in being active in Maritime Affairs, Disability Issues and Education to contact me at mbrig@hotmail.com .