Villa Frieres development approved after substantial downsizing

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority this morning approved the development of residential units Spinola, St Julians and the restoration and conversion of the historic Villa Frieres into a diplomatic residence. The board unanimously approved the development which the proposer substantially downsized the project in an attempt to put an end to a long process which has been in the offing for the past 10 years. The development will see 12 residential units, down from the original 21, commercial spaces at ground floor level and seven parking spaces. The developer will be paying close to €20,000 to make up for the parking spaces he could not offer as part of the project.  The applicant will have to contribute over €19,000 to the Urban Improvement Fund which can be used by the St. Julian’s local council for projects related to green transport, traffic management or outdoor recreational facilities which improve the quality of life for its residents. The project, which includes the restoration of the historic Villa Frieres, beneath St Julian’s parish church, was first proposed in 2002. It will extend from the present building line, between Saddles Bar and the villa’s gate, and the...