Second phase of Testaferrata Street regeneration launched

laurence schembri

Nov 12th 2008, 21:30

This type of hideousity been going on since the mid-fifties.
Look around you...take a good look at the outskirts of our villages i.e. Kirkop,
Qrendi, Gudja and so on to see the eyesores.

sgalea

Nov 12th 2008, 20:01

This project is an eye sore!! What a tasteless piece of architecture.

Is this the best we can produce? MEPA what happened here?

C Buttigieg

Nov 12th 2008, 15:57

Are you all trying to say that if you had a piece of land worth well over a million Euros, you would all develop it into a beautiful garden for the butterflies, the birds and the bees? Yeah Right! Your argument was right when you were talking about trying to preserve the old buildings with character but what character is there in Testaferata Street? It could have been a nicer facade but seeing what it is going to replace all I can say is anything goes.

Martin Farrugia

Nov 12th 2008, 13:50

I was always convinced that our architects are capable of designing some of the most hideous buildings in the world. This one takes the cake. If I were GlobalCapital I wouldn't let the cat out the bag this early!

Jonathan Beacom

Nov 12th 2008, 09:58

It is a pity that they couldn't commission a more a aesthetically pleasing design.

I dread to think what the area will look like when it is finished!...Sliema,Gzira and St Julians will soon resemble Downtown Hong Kong !! - HOW SAD !!

Maltese architects insist on building characterless concrete, steel, aluminum & glass buildings which look so terrible, age very quickly, and are not suited to our climate at all!

We need architects who, whilst having a futuristic vision, can incorporate traditional details that reflect Malta's rich and admired architectural heritage.

Has anyone seen the new apartment complex that has been built to replace the Galaxy Hotel in Sliema.

The block offers ALL modern amenities but at the same time is unmistakably 'Maltese' . It blends into the surroundings and is pleasing on the eye and will survive the test of time (aesthetically speaking).

We MUST preserve those architectural elements that have made Malta so attractive to visitors and such a pleasant place to live in.

The biggest JOKE was when the BAYSTREET architect received an AWARD for 'emulating a typical Maltese Pjazza environment.' !!...GOD HELP US !!!

Daniel Jackson

Nov 12th 2008, 07:56

I would leave regeneration to Time Lords..
as for this monstrosity I am left speechless...
It just looks ugly and I do not like it...
We should have garden spaces not this building.

Bernard J Schranz

Nov 11th 2008, 11:49

The regeneration of an area should form part of an overall strategy, driven by MEPA and not developers. If we truly cherish the environment and desire open spaces, then this should be the basis for development briefs from the outset. By this I mean that the area as a whole and not just a few plots, should have an imposition to allow for open spaces/gardens around them. Possibly only in this way will we ever revert the damage done with terraced blocks of flats taking over our precious green land.

Some might claim that this could push property prices up but I counter that such properties would attract a different type of buyer and I am sure there would be a demand for them too. For the developer a faster turnaround in sales means more profit in contrast to ending up with stocks of unsold apartments so condominiums could be the edge to sell quicker.

The failure to issue conditions requiring open spaces with new developments will only encourage more of the new office block structures in Testaferrata Street. Where properties do not belong to one developer, consortiums could be formed.

Elaine Attard

Nov 11th 2008, 10:32

Where are the people who used to live in this termed as slum area going to be displaced now??????

Kevin Vassallo

Nov 11th 2008, 08:48

I agree. Building is horrible. The company has people with good taste. What happened on this one? Shame they commissioned Philippe Starck in Argentina and not in Gzira!!

Steve Rogers

Nov 10th 2008, 21:59

Dear Karen,

The Architect from Illinois was most likely referring to the slums Americans call "projects" wherein a high percentage of residents tend to be low to middle class African-Americans and/or Hispanics.

This project was meant to mimic what NYC's Mayor Bloomberg is trying to do with parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. In this case, NYC is buying back large parts of neighborhoods, rejuvenating them with shops, sporting facilities, schools and residential apartments for different social strata. The difference is, as some have pointed out, these developments allow for open gardens and spaces and are not just "boxes".

My earlier post meant that any alternative is better then what is there now for the obvious reasons. I'm sure that anyone who is pumping money into the area is well aware of what is currently there and has planned thoroughly to remove it and replace it with well to do residents and businesses

Denis Catania

Nov 10th 2008, 17:00

I think the building is fine. What we need in Gzira is to stop the hookers. Can someone tell me why any Government has done nothing to stop this problem.

Tony Bonello

Nov 10th 2008, 14:38

I agree with you Stephen the building is horrible

Karen Zammit Manduca

Nov 10th 2008, 14:38

Replacing what is termed as a slum area with high rise buildings will not change it from remaining a slum.
A recent discussion with a Professor of Architecture and specialist in the building of tall buildings from Illinois, USA highlighted the fact that high rise buildings are unsuitable for Malta due to many factors. He also said that these types of buildings tend to bring many social problems with them and that they are unsuitable for family homes.
So, I fear that with these buildings we will only be creating modern slums! And, let us not forget the almost 70,000 vacant properties on the islands either. Even if these flats are bought up and inhabited, it will only mean an average of the same number of properties will be vacated to add to the other 70,000!

stephen camilleri

Nov 10th 2008, 14:11

What is that building,it looks like a prison and a public toilet at the same time,please think of something better and don't turn Malta into the concrete jungle it already is. I will give you 4 weeks to submit new plans if not I will go to Mepa and submit some of my own drawings if you like,have a good day and thanks for the ugly building o.m.g

Michael Pace

Nov 10th 2008, 14:08

Apart from the ugliness: glass walls in Malta are nonsensical. We have no lack of light (and heat). Remember the Unversity Library, which was designed to be wholly of glass, and had to be covered with concrete trellis to keep out the evil effects of our glorious sunlight. Big windows mean curtains to keep out the light, more use of air conditioning, and up goes our carbon footprint. Our old buildings have high floors, small windows, thick walls, deffun roofs. New buildings hav low floors, large windows, thin concrete walls and heat storing and transmitting concrete roofs.

C. Farrugia

Nov 10th 2008, 13:37

I'm not against progress but can't help agree with many comments here!!

It is ok to have all modern mods and cons on the inside, but why can't we have some Maltese character on the facade? And what about a balcony or two which can hold some greenery? Doesn't look like there is even one window which can be opened!! Perhaps whoever owns this place, or will own this place/units/spaces, would have no problem paying airconditioning bills??!!!!

G C Micallef

Nov 10th 2008, 13:23

I sincerely hope that the developers will make a water reservoir as is required by law and to be socially responsible. Unfortunatelly this law is never enforced and that is partly why we have such a problem with our water resources.

A.Charles

Nov 10th 2008, 12:59

This is just one ugly building replacing another ugly building. I always thought that architecture is a very visible artform which improves the quality of life for those people who work, use or live in the building. It also should have a positive effect on the general public.

Michael Attard Previ

Nov 10th 2008, 11:59

@ George Pace
I beg to differ to tell you that the Maltese architects are very learned and talented people. Just look at the projects and presentations done by architecture students at university. They come up with very creative and ideal solutions to spaces in Malta.
The problem with the erection of these new buildings is the contractors and developers who restrict the architect terribly, as all they want is to maximise profits.

george Pace

Nov 10th 2008, 11:32

I do not see the point of pulling down one horrible ugly building to replace it with another monstrosity. Thanks to our learned archtects for making Malta so ugly.

Andrea Coppini

Nov 10th 2008, 11:12

@ B Storace:
like you, I find the design of almost all buildings in Malta to be dull, unimaginative and plain old boring.... however Malta lacks an important ingredient which can't be overcome: space.

There just isn't enough space on the island as a whole to afford 'wasting' space on gardens and fancy infrastructural tricks. Sure enough, there's always room for improvement, but we really can't expect to see wide open spaces like we see abroad on this tiny rock.

Michael Agius vadala'

Nov 10th 2008, 10:42

However much architects want to think outside the box and build creative buildings, they are restricted by what the contractors and developers want - maximisation of the land on which they are building. Therefore more often than not no open space is allowed for, just a whole lot of crammed apartments/offices!!!

a. sciberras

Nov 10th 2008, 10:37

Well done to Global Capital for their courage in rejuvenating the area. well needed!

However a building more in line with traditional Maltese architecture would have been more welcomed! It is a shame seeing old photos of the Gzira, Sliema and St Julians waterfront and noticing that such buildings or features of these buildings are hardly incorporated in up and coming buildings. We are losing the Maltese architectural character completely. MEPA should intervene.

Also let's hope that this development will not mean that another slum area with all its consequences will crop up / be moved elsewhere!

J Spiteri

Nov 10th 2008, 10:28

The main attraction is going to be the Metropolis Plaza with a lovely piazzetta/garden and a 3 modern high rise buildings. The building you see in the picture is instead of the Dun Showroom I assume. Thanks god for this regeneration of Gzira, finally.

Bernard Storace

Nov 10th 2008, 10:08

Dropping an old sixties building is acceptable unless, of course, it happens to be an architecural gem but from what I see in the attached picture more of the same is replacing it. Don't our architects have any imagination at all and is it possible that none of them have ever travelled abroad. What is it that holds them back from using their creativity,? Why do they feel obliged to cover every available inch of ground with building and not allowing for curves and gardens and open spaces.

C.L. Spiteri

Nov 10th 2008, 10:02

I agree with M. Costa..an ugly building..however, it is replacing and equally ugly building. There is and was no "lovely architecture" of old in Testaferrata Strteet... But, am I incorrect in believing that the "regeneration" of a neighborhood is the responsibility of the neighborhood's planning committee, not a commercial developer? Does one allow a wolf to design a hen house?

victor vella

Nov 10th 2008, 09:51

M.Costa,
I would rather have a bare concrete and brick building then the present rubbish that exists in that street.

Edward Caruana Galizia

Nov 10th 2008, 09:34

hear hear! Oh well, for some reason our politicians wouldn' t know art if it slapped them in the face. but it s not all that bad. well it s not the worst thing in the world really.

Paul Barrett

Nov 10th 2008, 09:27

What a horrible style of building - another featureless box to ruin the beauty of Malta. This together with high rise residential units are a mistake and not suitable for this Country.

Does anyone check to ensure that the new buildings have proper functional wells dug (I believe these are mandatory).

Ivan Camilleri

Nov 10th 2008, 09:16

@Mr.Costa,

I can't see any pleasure in looking at the present eyesore buildings!! The area as it was till now is such an utter mix of ugly & delapidated buildings, & inhabited by you know what!! Where is the architecture you are referring to? This plan of regenereation will surely be a breath of fresh air to the whole Gzira area.

Steve Rogers

Nov 10th 2008, 09:12

@M Costa

Had it been any other area, I would've fully supported your opinion but Testaferrata is such a slum that anything built there is an improvement.

M. Costa

Nov 10th 2008, 08:57

What an ugly dull building which will continue to destort the Malta of old which had lovely architecture.