Chalet Development Brief
Development briefs details table data
| Approval date |
14-12-2002 |
1. Background
Fort Ricasoli is an historical and strategically important national asset situated at the entrance to the Grand Harbour where it enjoys splendid views of Valletta and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. The Fort, built in 1670, is an important link in the network of fortifications that have existed in Malta for hundreds of years and which have been vital in the protection of the island. It is one of the main fortified works of the Grand Harbour and a remarkable example of military architecture.
This development brief is intended to provide a comprehensive design and planning framework for the redevelopment of the Chalet area along the Sliema promenade. The brief outlines the boundaries of the proposed development area, permissible land-uses, planning policy context, design guidelines, transportation issues, aspects relating to project management and phasing of construction works and the submission requirements. Submissions to the brief can be made separately for the car park under the promenade and for the chalet structure itself, though preferably the development is carried out as a single proposal.
The Chalet occupies a strategic position along that segment of the Sliema promenade in the vicinity of Ghar id-Dud. The chalet was built on a reef projecting out from the shoreline. The structure was completed in 1926 to the design of the British architect B.W. Cordwell. The two tier reinforced concrete structure was interpreted in the contemporary Neo-Liberty/Art Deco architectural style. The chalet at Ghar id-Dud was a popular rendezvous as an open air café and dance floor until the early 1960’s when it was closed down due to severe deterioration which rendered the structure unsound.
Ever since its closure the platform structure support on concrete columns has suffered even further deterioration due to its highly vulnerable location exposed as it is to the elements. Today it is a derelict remnant of a by-gone age and is an aesthetic eyesore.
Interest in repairing the structure was shown in the mid-1960’s by a foreign company, but later submissions suggested that it should be demolished. A PAPB permit for the development of the Chalet into a “first class catering establishment” was issued in 1969 but the project never materialised. Another proposal for development into a commercial/recreational complex was made in the late 1980s.
The storm-battered skeletal chalet structure except for the concrete platform base is certainly not salvageable and would have to be pulled down to be replaced by a new contemporary structure.
2. Documents