Updated: City Gate decision welcomed
(Adds Feltom statement)
The Federated Association of Travel & Tourism Agents (Fatta) said today that it welcomed the news that the government is forging ahead with the City Gate project.
“This is an ambitious and long awaited project which should give Valletta the majestic entrance it so deserves. The project will certainly enhance product Malta from a tourism perspective, and is possibly highest on the most needed list. The eventual relocation of Parliament to the site of the opera house will enable the Grandmaster’s Palace to be showcased more effectively to visitors,” it said.
Fatta said that plans for this project to kick-start the overall regeneration of the capital city by 2018 would also be a massive step to revive Valletta a hub of culture and heritage.
It welcomed the government’s commitment to complete the project within four years and augured that deadlines would be met.
In a separate statement, Feltom, the federation of English language schools, said it was important not to miss another opportunity to enhance the capital. The issue was hotly debated 20 years ago but no project reached a conclusion.
"The city is one of the most historic areas in the world with its 320 monuments packed into a very small area. Such a treasure deserves an entrance which is in keeping with its status as a World Heritage Site...
"Valletta’s historic buildings should be kept alive by allowing visitors to enjoy them. It is appropriate that any work on a city of such calibre should be carried out by a world renowned architect such as Renzo Piano. Great architects add value to a city and increase its attraction to visitors," it said.
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lgalea
Dec 2nd 2008, 22:30
I don't think that the people can afford this luxury when they are being taxed to their last cent, but if it has to go on conduct a competition between MALTESE architects.
Piano's architectural style does not fit in with Valletta.
fredmallia
Dec 2nd 2008, 22:06
dream,... dream... dreammmm......
parole....parole... parole....
I Abela
Dec 2nd 2008, 22:02
What many fail to understand is that Valletta is unique because of its architecture. Not because there are many shops, many government departments, etc. Valletta is an old city and any new buildings which have to be built there should respect their environment. Renzo Piano is a great architect, but his works are not suited for old environments. I would perfectly understand a Piano structure at Smart City, but in Valletta N O W A Y
lesley Kreupl
Dec 2nd 2008, 21:51
Well the knights will certainly be turning in their graves if the few examples of this gentleman's work I have been unfortunate enough to see is anything to go on.
Quickly, pass the plans to excavate and destroy the knights graves at St. Johns Co-cathedral so they won't be able to turn!
Valletta is such a beautiful old city with so much character - yes it needs a lot of TLC and refurbishment - but Sliema and so many other places have already been destroyed, at least try and preserve the city of Valletta.
martin saliba
Dec 2nd 2008, 20:34
@Marion Stevenson
The Maltese people are ready for cheaper fuel , water , electricty. We are ready for some kind of divorce law. We are ready for cheaper housing , and NO , we are not ready for Piano.
What i am afraid of is that some monstrosity will be built and the Maltese people will have to lump it. From what ive seen of Piano's work , i dread to think that he will be responsible for the proposed works.
adrian galea
Dec 2nd 2008, 20:32
the usual doomsday mongers are out sharpening their knives. there seems to be a substantial proportion of people who are ready to criticize when there is nothing to evaluate yet. give things a chance, wait for the information then make up your mind...not the other way round.
the gaping hole is certainly not an option. Valletta deserves better. Malta deserves better.
The site is one of great importance. We are not back in the 19th century. we are in the 21st.. it is a chance for the Maltese to show that they are foreward looking, bold, independent, striving for better but with great sensitivity to our roots,heritage.
The government needs a very firm hand but it must steer this through. Any government would have to be eventually if this is going to be solved. Not doing anything also says a lot about us and is simply not possible any more.
Go ahead, go for something which Maltese could be proud of.
The association with a world renowned architect has the potential to enhance Malta's reputation as a forward looking country. It does not mean we don ot debate or criticise if need be. Criticism at this stage is simply premature.
Chris Azzopardi
Dec 2nd 2008, 19:18
Oh dear lord have mercy on us..........
Marion Stevenson
Dec 2nd 2008, 18:43
Judging by the comments written on the Times, it saddens me to see that the Maltese are not ready yet for Renzo Piano… they are still stuck in the past – the nostalgic past and would much rather have a false rendition of something ‘which was’, rather than something which ‘will be’…..
André Xuereb
Dec 2nd 2008, 18:35
Mr Saliba: Without going into the merits of the City Gate case (and, therefore, being thoroughly out of point), may I point out that the only metal band, although it wasn't exactly Metallica, to write a Eurovision song won.
Malcolm Reeves
Dec 2nd 2008, 17:59
Surely a reconstruction of the original gate would be the most appropriate option given that it would then be a perfect introduction to the glories of Valletta that lie within?
A. Saliba
Dec 2nd 2008, 17:51
Seriously, asking Renzo Piano to design the Valletta entrance is like asking Metallica
to write a Eurovision song.
martin saliba
Dec 2nd 2008, 17:32
"which should give Valletta the majestic entrance it so deserves. "
How can anybody praise something he/she hasn;t seen yet ( Actual plans )? The only thing that i can say for Piano's work of what ive seen is YUKK!