Alternative venue for St John's tapestries

I have followed most of the correspondence and arguments regarding the underground exhibition hall proposed by the foundation which administers St John's Co-Cathedral and Museum.

This project, if implemented, would cause untold havoc in the centre of Valletta. The noise and dust pollution created in excavating the quarry, meant to become an underground exhibition hall, would harm both tourism and commerce in the centre of Valletta. The trucks carrying the excavation material would destroy the excellent paving created at Merchants Street, while there is the possibility of damage to the cathedral itself.

I agree that these tapestries need to be displayed in a manner that would be appreciated. In Valletta itself we have a suitable exhibition area which relates to the Knights of St John - the Sacra Infermeria, known in other times as the Knights Hall and today forming part of the Mediterranean Conference Centre. My proposal is that these tapestries be suitably displayed in the longest unsupported hall found in Malta, to be properly enjoyed by visitors.

The government, which in fact owns these tapestries, has to intervene and persuade the foundation and the management of the MCC to agree to this proposal. Entrance fees would be charged and the proceeds shared equitably between the parties. The capital expense involved in adapting the hall for this purpose is a fraction of what the other project involves, and has no environmental risks.

Besides, the conference centre can continue to utilise its other halls unhindered, while use of the main hall would be enhanced by the tapestry display in the background.