A public protest will be held on Monday, 8 December 2025, at 10:00am in Misraħ Madonna Medjatriċi, Ħaż-Żabbar, as the Local Council and residents oppose the approved permit PA/01617/24 for a five-storey building in the heart of Żabbar, beside the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces. The demonstration is being organised as an act of unity “beyond colours and differing opinions.”
The Council states clearly that it is “not against a home for the elderly.” However, it argues that the proposed development is not sustainable and does not respect the square or Żabbar’s historical heritage. The Council insists that the height should be limited to 3+1, as emphasised by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
According to the Council, “this is not development; this is the destruction of the square’s character.” It warns that the developer is comparing the new height to the neighbouring historic building, Dar Sagra Familja, questioning whether a massive new structure should “compete for attention” and risk overshadowing the church. The proposed height is said to be “almost higher than the roof of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces.”
Further concerns include the lack of transition with the UCA, planned removal of architectural elements despite claims of façade retention, and increased congestion in an area intended to become more pedestrian-friendly. The Council says it must remain “the voice of the community.”
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