Call for architectural sanity at Cottonera Waterfront

Environmentalist Martin Scicluna yesterday made a fervent plea for sanity and common sense to prevail in the restoration of the Cottonera Waterfront.

"We have already seen one excrescence created by the totally unsuitable box-like glass and concrete apartments standing directly next to the historic Fort St Angelo," he said.

"We cannot afford the same mistake to be made when the new hotel is constructed next to Casinò di Venezia or with any of the other buildings.

"These should surely be built in a style, which is compatible with the historic façades elsewhere along the waterfront," said Mr Scicluna, chairman of the panel of judges of the Din l-Art Helwa Award for Architectural Heritage.

Maurice de Giorgio, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti chairman, awarded the highly-prized silver medal to Edwin Mintoff of EM Architects, for his "outstanding" restoration of the Treasury Building, at the Cottonera Waterfront.

"We wish to see the waterfront completed to the same standards and in the same architectural context as the Treasury Building," Mr Scicluna said.

The judging panel was unanimous in choosing Dr Mintoff as the winner because this important building was converted to modern uses in a way that was compatible with the outstanding character of the area. The judges felt the restoration of the building, which had been abandoned and in a considerable state of disrepair, has added distinction to the regeneration and revitalisation of the area.

The panel also awarded a Diploma For Architectural Heritage to Hermann Bonnici and Norbert Gatt of the Works Division for the restoration of the three churches of Santa Lucija, in Mtarfa, St James, in Luqa, and St Roque, in Mdina, spanning the period 1460 to 1728.

"The panel of judges is delighted to recognise publicly some of the excellent work being carried out by government architects and their skilled work force," Mr Scicluna said.

Another diploma was awarded to Antoine Cachia for the restoration of a private home in Valletta, the 17th century Casa Buonamici in 26-30 Old Bakery Street. The house is thought to have been built by Francesco Buonamici, a foremost exponent of baroque architecture.

"It now stands as a glowing example of what can be done by private home owners to enhance the glory of Valletta buildings," he added.

Mr Scicluna said they received numerous entries and one of them - the Mdina paving project - deserved special mention. Although it fell outside the scope of the award scheme, this project, led by Works Division architect Ray Farrugia, was nothing less than a "make-over" of a historic city, whose appearance was now raised to a world standard.

"Is it too much to hope that, one day, Valletta will be similarly raised up?"