The opera house site development

I would like to clarify what was stated by the Chamber of Architects in a statement that was quoted in the article Opera House Set to Become New Parliament (October 14).

The Minister for Urban Development and Roads, Jesmond Mugliett, also believes in public design competitions. In fact, he followed the chamber's suggestion when last year the international design competition for the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Heritage Park was launched.

One appreciates that the development of the opera house site is a project with a history. That history goes back as far as November 1995 when Richard England was appointed as an architect following a request for expressions of interest for the engagement of an architect for the design of a national arts centre. Following this appointment, Prof. England was entrusted with the design of St James Cavalier.

In the year 2000 an outline application submitted by Prof. England for the design of a theatre, Freedom Square, City Gate, a bus terminus and an underground car park was approved by the Planning Authority. In the plans currently being studied by the government, certain elements of this application, particularly the continuity with St James Cavalier, the car park and the redesign of Freedom Square are being considered.

It is normal practice that when a client intends to use designs or parts of designs by a particular architect, that same architect would be the first to be considered for the job. If a new architect is engaged, there are formalities and procedures that have to be followed.

The government's decision to retain the services of Prof. England was based on the confidence in his capabilities and in order to ensure the continuity with the plans which have already been developed for Freedom Square, the car park and St James Cavalier.