Plans to transform the historic Palazzina Vincenti in St Julian’s into a 13-storey hotel have been deferred by the Planning Authority.The decision was postponed due to a lack of consent and contracts involving neighbouring property owners, rather than because of the heritage concerns raised against the development.The proposal, filed by Carlo Stivala, would retain and rehabilitate the existing Palazzina Vincenti while constructing nine additional floors above it. Plans include shops, an indoor pool and spa, a restaurant, hotel rooms and a rooftop pool.Palazzina Vincenti currently enjoys Grade 2 protection and is considered an important example of Malta’s post-war modernist architecture. It was designed by architect Gustavo R. Vincenti as his own residence and remained his home until his death in 1974.The latest development comes amid growing calls for stronger protection of the historic building. Earlier today, the Kamra tal-Periti called for Palazzina Vincenti’s protection to be upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1, while also proposing that the government acquire the property and open it to the public as a cultural or community space.The Chamber described the building as one of Malta’s most significant examples of post-war Modernist architecture and warned that its current Grade 2 protection still allows substantial alterations to historically important parts of its interior.Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar coordinator Astrid Vella said the NGO was “very disappointed” that the application had merely been deferred instead of being refused outright on heritage grounds.FAA has questioned why the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage could recommend approval when it had previously described Palazzina Vincenti as “one of the best modernist examples in Malta” and recommended against its demolition in 2021.The NGO, together with architects, residents and local councillors, has pushed for the building’s protection to be upgraded to Grade 1, which would offer stronger safeguards.For now, the proposed 13-storey hotel remains on hold, with the Planning Authority yet to take a final decision on the development.•