Construction work has been almost completed on a six-storey apartment block just metres away from the sea at Xlendi after it was controversially granted a permit to replace the building hosting the Boathouse restaurant. The works started just three months ago after the former two-storey structure was demolished and the site excavated. News of plans for the new block emerged last October, when the management of two restaurants, the Stonecrab and the Boathouse, announced they would be shutting down due to works. Despite a public outcry, the Planning Authority had approved the building of a restaurant on two floors and four overlying apartments. The go-ahead for works was issued by the Building Construction Agency on November 25. Heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex had warned that: “This, once picturesque, once incredibly beautiful Gozitan cove that attracts thousands of locals, residents and tourists to its magic is suffering the final, fatal twist of the knife.” The original building being demolished in November. Photo: Carmel Cassar The original building was demolished in early November with no trace left of the original restaurant over the course of one weekend. This...