Plans to open a Starbucks café in a historic Mdina palazzo have been suspended amid a wave of objections and concerns from heritage authorities, residents and heritage groups according to Times of Malta. The proposal by db Group would have seen the ground floor of Palazzo Santa Sofia converted to host both Starbucks and UK café brand EL&N, alongside restoration work on the building’s façade. About four weeks after the application was first published, the project’s architect paused the submission at their own request, according to records on the Planning Authority’s website.The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) has indicated the plans “may not” align with existing Mdina planning policies, particularly given the city’s status on Malta’s tentative list for possible UNESCO World Heritage nomination. The SCH has also asked for more details on the proposed signage, interior finishes and other elements of the project, and said it will involve the National World Heritage Technical Committee to evaluate the potential impact on Mdina’s heritage bid.Since the application was published, more than 160 objections have been submitted, including from local residents and heritage NGO Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.Palazzo Santa Sofia, located opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, is believed to date back to at least the 13th century. It consists of two connected buildings featuring Gothic medieval architecture, interior courtyards and a passageway across a public road. The SCH has also pointed out the site lies within Mdina’s Urban Conservation Area and stressed the “very high archaeological sensitivity of the area.”Published plans available on the Planning Authority’s site show layouts for point-of-sale counters, seating areas, storage and toilets, with restrictions on alterations to the building’s façade.When details of the application first emerged, a db Group spokesperson said both café brands had experience operating in historic settings, with outlets tailored to Mdina’s character and featuring only discreet external signage. But these assurances failed to allay critics’ concerns.In its objection, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna said that even if structural intervention is minimised, it is “very difficult to control what goes on after that,” stressing that the special building deserved protection that would endure beyond the completion of the project.Two Mdina residents also opposed the application, describing the change of use as a “major intervention in a medieval palazzo of this significance.” They argued it represents part of a “broader pattern of escalating commercialisation” of Mdina’s historic palaces, pointing to other recent proposals such as turning Palazzo Mangion into a five-star hotel and a separate application for a rooftop pool that has also been put on hold.Residents further questioned the logic of housing two cafés in one building, saying there was “no justification” for the plans and that they appeared to be driven by commercial interests rather than sensitive reuse of heritage property.Many objectors also opposed the entry of large chain franchises into Mdina, arguing that such outlets would “cheapen” the city’s appearance and dilute its historic character. One commenter said the commercialisation of Mdina should cease and that the historic building should be used for better purposes than a commercial outlet. Others took a simpler stance, urging authorities to “leave Mdina alone.” The deadline for submitting objections to the proposal closes on 27th February.What do you make of this ?•