Townsquare Sliema welcomes today’s decision by the Planning Authority Board and looks forward to creating a high-quality project in the centre of Sliema.

Townsquare CEO Peter Diacono said: “We have gone to great lengths over the past year to address, and go beyond, the revisions requested by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal and are delighted that the Planning Authority has acknowledged these efforts.

“We have brought together the very best local and international talent and will now start working to make our vision a reality. Townsquare will be a project of the highest quality, and our team are excited to begin this next chapter to create a new dynamic space that Sliema can be proud of.”

Townsquare has completely reconfigured the tower, reducing the height by 37 metres or 11 storeys, as well as creating more distance between the development and neighbouring properties.

The landmark project will bring together living, retail, food and business spaces together with underground parking. Around two-thirds of the overall footprint will be an open and car-free area, with piazzas and a variety of gardens making it the largest pedestrian zone in Sliema’s town centre.

Townsquare will also be restoring the historic Villa Drago to its former glory along with its surrounding garden and will be incorporating a range of sustainable design and green features across the development.

“As we now focus on delivering the project, we also look forward to playing an active role in the local community and making a positive contribution to Sliema,” Mr Diacono said.