Edward Borg, Valletta
Midi's fine work at Manoel Island Theatre and Tigné
In reaction to Laura Clark's letter Quarantine Hospital Or Quality Casino? (October 21) may I assure her and the public that Midi have the best interests of the historical sites at Manoel Island and Tigné at heart. I happen to know some people involved in the restoration of Fort Manoel, and it is heartening to see and hear that the consortium is doing a super job in saving this gem for posterity. Fort Manoel has been repeatedly described as one of the finest baroque fortresses ever created and it is so assuring to know that it is being lovingly restored.
As anyone can see from Valletta, works are now focusing on the reconstruction of the ruined church of St Anthony of Padua inside the walls of the fort. This monument was blitzed during the war only to be pillaged and neglected in subsequent years. With the church's reconstruction, Midi will be giving back the Marsamxett area a prominent landmark.
People very readily criticise the Midi development on Tigné Point, yet few acknowledge the great works they have invested in literally saving Fort Tigné, Fort Manoel and now Lazaretto. It is impossible (and unfeasible) to turn every heritage site in our islands into museums. Other uses should be permitted so long as the reuse is sensitively designed around the historic fabric.
May I also take this opportunity to encourage the government to return the beautiful monument of Vilhena currently serving as a pigeon perch in Floriana, to its original, proper location at Fort Manoel or at least Midi could create a replica. This will be the cherry on the cake completing a state-of-the-art restoration job at Fort Manoel. Once again congratulations Midi and keep up the good work!
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D Vella
Oct 29th 2008, 16:55
Fine, but who's to say they won't ruin it all by the proposed development next door to it?
Joseph Sammut
Oct 29th 2008, 16:06
So Nice to hear that Fort Manuel is being restored,I was stationed there in 1952 while serving in the Royal Navy,we helped to clear all the rubble in the cript next to the church and was used to hear Mass there on Sundays,I shall be coming to Malta in December ,Cant wait to pay the Place a visit
andrew micallef
Oct 29th 2008, 12:54
@chev ciavola - having worked in restoration I know that old buildings will need to be used once they are restored. The lazaretto is not going to be demolished - that would be a mortal sin . It is going to be restored and its eventual use will include culture as well as commercial activities and this is good - just look at valletta and cotternera waterfronts and the amount of tourists and locals these attract. Imagine if they had a musum too..
@ Pamela Hensen - I am not enamoured by modern architecture either but lets be honest , is the block of flats that you live in somehow more sensitively designed ? Don't you see that whoever built your block also obstructed the view of manoel island for the homes and streets behind them ? That is the nature of buildings - they tend not to be transparent.
C Cassar
Oct 29th 2008, 11:21
Well said Pamela Hansen. It's a crying shame the way those tall buildings crowd in on Fort Tigne. The fort might have been restored, but as a historic location it has been ruined for ever.
Pamela Hansen
Oct 29th 2008, 10:53
Would Mr Edward Borg qualify Tigne Point as being sensitively designed? As for Fort Manoel, let's wait and see, shall we? If like Tigne Point the restoration work is drowned in high density development and will interfere with the view of the Valleta bastions, where's the value?
Chev. Michael Ciavola
Oct 29th 2008, 10:51
What about Lazaretto. Are we going to demolish this building and lose its identity? At least the facade should be restored and indeed a small section of it be use as a Museum, why not? This is Malta's heritage and history, unique to Europe and worldwide. What is left of Malta if we eradicate our past. The Knights of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus based in Malta have in the recent past showed interest to help in this mission. mici@matlanet.net