Ramblers hit out at visitors' centre 'blunder'
The Ramblers' Association has hit out at Heritage Malta over the visitors' centre being built near Hagar Qim, saying progress on the project confirmed the shocking visual impact of the building, not only on the approach to the temple site, but also on the surrounding rural environment. Reminiscent of a similar eyesore overlooking Dwejra in Gozo, the modern addition in the car park is sharply visible shortly after leaving Zurrieq, the association said.
"Furthermore the solution is short-sighted: the number of car-parking spaces has been reduced by half when demand for parking is bound to increase with the visitor-friendly centre attracting greater numbers of callers to the site. The shameful prospect threatens that extensions into adjacent fertile fields will be necessary to cater for additional coaches and cars."
The association insisted that the nearby disused quarry next to the Misqa site would clearly have been a viable alternative with access to the main road which only required widening and asphalting. It is large enough to accommodate a visitors' centre and ample parking space.
"Heritage Malta seeks refuge behind the argument that such objections are now too late and should have been raised at the pre-permit stage. The Association believes it has every right to expect that, of all people, those entrusted with the protection of Malta's heritage should not have committed such blunders," the Ramblers said.
"Furthermore the argument that the Hunziker design was the chosen winner, also holds no water because the original design was different and, more importantly, lower. The Hunziker philosophy may apply for the glass pyramid affronting the Louvre but certainly does not apply in the case of Hagar Qim. At the Louvre the focus (works of art) is inside the building. At Hagar Qim the focus has been shifted from temple in harmony with nature to the edifice that jars with nature. Whilst our forefathers understood this harmony, our modern planners shun it off and approve a crude structure that will remain an unpleasant scar on the national conscience for as long as it stands."
The Ramblers also expressed concern over the damage being done by construction machinery which has been moving over and adjacent to this archaeologically important site.
They insisted that MEPA should revoke the Hagar Qim visitors' centre permit and have the edifice moved to the quarry. There will be the added benefit of bringing the archaeologically underestimated Misqa site in the reckoning with the two temples.
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francis Buhagiar
Sep 24th 2008, 15:43
If the ramblers association had brought to your attention the monstrous situation at Hagar Qim too late, what about the other citizens who commented about the same situation at the very beginning . Have you asked for the public suggestions? I was one of those who wrote against it on this news paper but I had no reply from no body.
Frans Buhagiar
Safi
Liam Kelly
Sep 24th 2008, 12:16
First their saying that the car park is an eyesore and then their saying its too small? Can you actually have an attractive large car park!?
mario Gauci
Sep 24th 2008, 12:15
How many of you have actually been and visited the site concerned lately.
Please do so before commenting.
effie carbonaro
Sep 24th 2008, 12:12
are we sure that we are leaving certain restoration in the right hands.are we sure that positions arnt political because first there was the bombardment on the st john cathedral council and now these.we are talking on irrepairable damage here.
E A Micallef
Sep 24th 2008, 12:10
Heritage Malta should be worthy of the trust that is placed in them. Of course heritage sites need to help support themselves and visitor centres are pleasant and useful places for the visitor and local people to frequent. All that is being asked is that these modern and useful structures do not, in any way, visually damage that which is of irreplacable value, such as Hagar Qim. Heritage Malta reps visited my home some time ago to see if our proposed extension was in keeping with our house of character. Whilst there they questioned the whereabouts of a Maltese stone spiral staircase (shown on plan) that, unbeknown to us, had been removed by the previous owners of the house. We admitted to having removed the replacement of the spiral which was a ghastly marble and concrete staircase of no beauty and replaced it with a wood and wrought iron staircase which, they readily agreed, suited the rustic character of the house. Nevertheless, we had to pay a penalty fine bcause of the removal of the feature that we had never had the opportunity to purchase. Where's the logic?
Edward Amato
Sep 24th 2008, 11:58
I am no rambler, nor am I an environmental "activist" ; rather, I am a simple citizen with my own views and tastes, both of which are obviously subjective.
I cannot however refrain from commenting on this matter and agreeing entirely with the views expressed by the Ramblers Association.
The structure is completely alien to the surrounding countryside and temples, besides being the equivalent height of approx 3 storeys.
Why should we have to accept it ; a major blunder HAS BEEN MADE by someone, be it Heritage Malta and/or MEPA ,and the decision MUST be reviewed with a view to dimantling the whole thing , whatever the cost !!!
Joseph Cauchi
Sep 24th 2008, 11:13
The Ramblers' Association is worried because FERTILE land may been taken to accomodate this project !
What about other FERTILE lands which currentlly are used for agricultural purposes are NOW being turned into Pig and Cow Farms, when other alternative sites are available?
I am refering to the FERTILE land in Salini/Maghtab area ! ! !
I would appreciate if the Ramblers' Association would voice their objections to these lands and insist with the authorities that such farms should be allocated in a CENTRALIZED ZONE far from these FERTILE LANDS and RESIDENTIAL AREAS ! ! !
MEPA should please take note also ! ! !
"Keep Fertile Lands For Agricultural Purposes Only"
darren galea
Sep 24th 2008, 11:08
@J Farrugia
Why do you call ramblers and ngos idiots? What do you have against them? You're obviously a hunter with nothing better to do than spout venom at anyone who opposes your wanton killing. It is FAR from "superfluous" whether the taxpayer likes or dislikes the mostrosity being erected near Hagar Qim. Whether Labour or PN are in office the voice of the people (the majority I mean, unlike the hunting minority) will be heard. Sorry mate ;)
George Mifsud
Sep 24th 2008, 11:03
First and foremost I support the views of the ramblers but cannot understand why there are opposing a structure that will make the visit Hagar Qim and Mnajdra more appealing to the vistors. If the Ramblers propose to do nothing then all the historical sight will dilapidate - the structure will a sharp contrast to the forefathers. I tend to agree with J Farrugia that no development to protect such sights then we leave the sorry state of City Gate and the Opera House. Do bear in mind that the Pyramid at the Louvre is a sharp contrast the the architecture on the outside building.
John Mizzi
Sep 24th 2008, 11:00
I wonder if the English will ever do some horrible Interpretation Centre like this at Stonehenge!? Why is Mepa and other Goverment organizations are so obsessed with Interpretation Centres at sacred and in protected areas which are ruining the character of these same places? The value of Hagar Qim will be changed for ever. The temple and its character will need to remain in its pristine original environment to be fully appreciated.
I wonder which sacred site/temple will be raped next? :(((
Antoine Vella (Balzan)
Sep 24th 2008, 10:58
J.Farrugia
I am as Nationalist as you are but I think you're out of order in lambasting the Ramblers' Association because they are objecting to a modern development next to the Neolithic temples.
It is also very unwise to drag party politics into the issue - the Ramblers' Association has not made the slightest reference to political parties; they have not even mentioned the government and I honestly don't see what PN-MLP have to do with the subject.
I.Cilia
Sep 24th 2008, 10:56
Oh blimey these people complain about everything under the sun...
you should have complained when you had the time.... and maybe they would have taken it into consideration.... With these type of NGO's it is either their way or no way...
Ramblers you have my support when you fight for rights of way issues... but not when you try to but into everything else.... stick to what you have been set up to do.... and not deviate in other areas.... otherwise better to join NTM or another NGO and maybe like that you will get more credibility...
Anthony Briffa
Sep 24th 2008, 10:53
Without getting into the merits of whether the design is appropriate or not for the area, may I ask why were there no objections voiced by the ramblers and other objectors at the time of the consultation process? This project has been announced a few years ago and the winning design was given enough publicity at the time of the award. Now the project must proceed and be completed without delays.
Anthony Mercieca
Sep 24th 2008, 10:49
A fact that perturbs me when reading ramblers' or any other NGO statement about certain pre-announced or planned projects is either these people wake up at the wrong time or make up an issue to justify their existance.
A case in point is this protection of a historical unique place. In ever decision there is a dialectic (normally we refer to the two sides of the coin), but for ramblers to intervene now an aestethic issue - not really environmental - risking further the existance of Hagar Qim and when funds have been forked out, leaves one to desire some thing better from such often self proclaimed professional opinion contributors
Joe Aveline
Sep 24th 2008, 10:49
One just wishes that when these things are being planned some reference is made to successful examples elsewhere. It was many years ago that the vistors car park at Stonehenge was made on the other side of the main road and a tunnel provided beneath it. Visitors walked under the road and over the open space to the standing stones. The vista is unimpaired. This is not rocket science, it does require just a bit of thinking outside the box..
Joe Aveline
Tony Cassar
Sep 24th 2008, 10:36
This project has been in the making since 2003... the international design competition for the visitors' centre and the shelters were launched in that year and the proposed designs were chosen in April the following year... not to mention the whole MEPA application process. That's a good five years!!!!
And Ramblers' Association, and the rest of the empty vessels have only now woken up to smell the coffee?
Sorry guys, but where you at the time? Rambling somewhere in the wilderness with no access to TV and papers??
Mark Mifsud
Sep 24th 2008, 10:35
@ J Farrugia
You may not like it.....but we are supposedly living in a democracy, so yes NGOs have the right (and duty) to object despite what you might think.
J Farrugia
Sep 24th 2008, 10:20
Ramblers you have no right to object now that the funds are available and progress is being registered. Whether one likes the design or not is superflous, like the project of city gate. or the Opera House. They remain in ruins because sophisticated persons like you continually object to designs submitted when the government has paid thousands of liri from our pockers for the competition winners. And they have a right to their prize money, even though idiots like the ramblers and other ngos have nothing to show but negative remarks about everything under the sun. I would like to see these ramblers objecting if and when the MLP is voted in office by the electorate. I would like to see what type of consultations will be held and what vociferous voices are heard.
l Galea
Sep 24th 2008, 09:48
How can one have any faith in MEPA and Mr pair of string hands when we see this horrible structure next to one of the world's oldest structures?
fred sultana
Sep 24th 2008, 09:29
gonzi please intervene... i'd rather have more money wasted and this building moved in a quarry rather than not spend more money and leave it where it is