Karmenu Pace, Qrendi
Doing now what foreign dominions did not do...
Day by day the Ħaġar Qim visitors' centre project, co-funded by the European Commission from Structural Funds, is gaining more flesh. But it doesn't mean that it is gaining an inch more in grace. On the contrary, the horrendous monstrosity of the ugly building at its present site is slapping everybody who happens to pass by in the face. Except, that is, Heritage Malta which, I presume, put forward the proposal, Mepa which gave its approval, and the Qrendi local council with its deafening and worrying silence on what is happening.
I call on the council to take a stand. And I extend this appeal also to Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust, The Ramblers' Association and to all environmentalists and history lovers.
I beg you not to take me on my word. Spare a few minutes' drive from whichever place you live in Malta and go and see for yourselves. Go and speak to the visitors to this one of the foremost historical places on the Maltese archipelago and ask if they have a positive opinion or not about the huge steel structure that is taking shape there. In my opinion it has ruined the entire landscape leading to the Ħaġar Qim Temples. It is too ugly, too modern, too huge, too high, too close to the temples, too prominent, thereby divesting the temples of their importance.
To add insult to injury, the second paragraph on the poster stuck to the railings surrounding the construction site says: "The Visitor Centre has been located in an unused part of the existing car park to avoid physical impact on the landscape. It has been designed to have minimal visual impact on Ħaġar Qim Temples".
Incredible and unbelievable!
The horrendous construction has towered above the Ħaġar Qim Temples skyline, it has obstructed half the view uphill to the temple, it has destroyed the psychological peace and tranquillity that used to reign in the area.
And all this, according to the authorities, is the way "to avoid physical impact on the landscape" and "to have minimal visual impact on Ħaġar Qim Temples".
We must really be living in the land of Mickey Mouse.
What goes beyond all my imagination is that the construction is being supported by money from the European Commission. I expected much better tastes from the European Union if they have seen the construction plans in their holistic perspective at all.
In fact, I expect an immediate serious investigation into what is going on and the impact it is having now on the environment.
And to those who dare go and have a look for themselves in these days, let me remind them that what they are marvelling at now is just half of the proposed construction!
This would never have happened under the worst foreign dominion.
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Alfred Grech
Jul 21st 2008, 22:08
My apologies. I thought the writer was referring to the building to preserve the temple. I haven't been there for a few months.
Dion Borg
Jul 21st 2008, 20:26
The funds should be invested into finding the right place where to construct reasonable facilities underground, causing the least vibrations during the excavations and construction (underground) - let's go manual if need be.
As regards the shelter - it should be retractable and neither cause any visual distortion - possibly hidden behind discrete endemic trees when retracted.
A.Sciberras
Jul 21st 2008, 17:32
@ Alfred Grech
The building to date has nothing to do with the preservation of the temples but is the visitors center. It is a far cry from the wining design. As always, the important thing is to win the contract, then you can do what ever you like. Case in point Midi Project(Pinin Farrina). Maybe the funding of EU has got to do with the scale of this building. Those with smart designs should be those who are getting paid for the job.
Stop this nonsense please
Joseph Camilleri
Jul 21st 2008, 17:09
This horrible visitors` structure, which is under construction, has nothing to do with the protection of the temples.
I believe that it could have been a better option to install a visitors` area somewhere underground and not necessarily so near to the temples.
J. Martinelli
Jul 21st 2008, 16:38
Alfred Grech et al, forgive me if I am way out of line here, but the buildings you see in the picture do not appear to have anything to do with the temples themselves and their protection from the weather. They are a Visitors' Centre where, presumably visitors can obtain information, have a comfortable waiting area and possibly view documentaries.
It is my understanding that the temples themselves will be covered by a removable dome made of some synthetic material.
Would someone in the know, please clear this matter up?
Alfred Grech
Jul 21st 2008, 14:00
To cover such a vast area, one cannot expect a "neat" design. The would look much nicer if they had no protection but the weather is having an effect on them.
Perhaps those who are complaining might suggest a neater design to protect our Temples.
Those with smart designs are invited to send their proposals to Heritage Malta and MEPA for their approval.
Yvo Hesselman
Jul 21st 2008, 11:19
I quote: "This would have never happened under de worst foreign dominion"
Why is it that the Maltese people always think everything is better in other countries?? I am half dutch half maltese and have lived in both countries (4 years in Malta). Believe me, if most things are better in one of the 2 countries it is in Malta for sure!!!
J. Borg
Jul 21st 2008, 10:36
Bring on the guillotine!
vincent a galea
Jul 21st 2008, 09:44
MR KARMENU PACE IS 1000% CORRECT.... MALTA IS GOING TO BE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE MANY ARCHEOLOGICAL VISITORS TO OUR UNIQUE PREHISTORIC TREASURES.....