AN announces Valletta masterplan

Azzjoni Nazzjoni proposed today that Parliament should by moved to the building occupied by Boffa Hospital in Floriana once the cancer hospital is moved to Zammit Clapp.

The proposal was one of several unveiled this morning at a press conference by Anglu Xuereb, the party’s deputy leader.

He said the party is calling for a rebuilding of the Opera House with the original facade and a modern interior.

It would also like to see several ministries moved out of Valletta to a purpose-built administrative centre in Floriana. The former ministry buildings in Valletta could then be opened to the public or house embassies.

The party is calling for underground parking under four squares in Valletta and an underground bus terminus at City Gate. A large statue of La Valette should be erected at Freedom Square, Mr Xuereb said, and City Gate itself should also be rebuilt, although he did not commit himself to a design. That, he said, should be the subject of a competition among local architects.

Mr Xuereb also called for the Evans Building site to be converted into a five-star hotel.

He said Strait Street could become an artisans’ centre.

He also called for an extension of the cruise liner terminal towards Barriera Wharf and proposed a tunnel for launches to link Grand Harbour with Marxamxett.