The battery stands on the peninsula that separates Marsamxett Harbour from St. Julian's Bay.

The construction of Sliema Point Battery started in 1872 by the British, as part of a program of improvements to Malta's fortifications recommended in Colonel Jervois' Report of 1866 titled "Memorandum with reference to the improvements to the defences of Malta and Gibraltar, rendered necessary by the introduction of Iron Plated Ships and powerful rifled guns".

[1] The battery, which was completed in 1876, has many Gothic Revival architectural features, such as the main gate.

It was then used as a searchlight position to expose enemy ships approaching the Grand Harbour area.

eventually, a water polo venue was built near the battery, and it is still used by the Sliema Aquatic Sports Club to this day.