Restoring the Pietà Verandah

I refer to the letter by James Craig Wightman (February 24).

First of all, it is very pertinent to note that the local council is still in the phase of issuing a call for tenders for the restoration and use of the Pietà boathouse, also known as the Verandah. This, after more than 10 years during which my council had been working on the devolution of this important building in our locality.

As I already mentioned, the project is surely not "to turn this into yet another restaurant".

The call for tenders to be issued very soon is focusing on both the much needed restoration as well as the future use of the building. In fact, contrary to what Mr Craig Wightman stated, no cultural loss will occur.

To ensure this, a Din l-Art Helwa representative will be on the adjudicating board of this tender so that the historical and cultural aspects of the project are given the desired attention. Another important fact is that the council carried out a public consultation process, during which the majority of suggestions pointed towards the use of the boathouse as a restaurant.

We must also keep in mind that restoration costs a substantial sum of money. The council would gladly allow any organisation use of the premises if it would be willing to restore the Verandah to its former glory and pay for its maintenance and upkeep, because, basically, that is what the council is after.

It would be pointless to allow anybody the use of the boathouse in its dilapidated state.

One final comment. The fact that the building might not be used as Mr Craig Wightman's wishes does not necessarily mean it will be "a cultural loss".