AD 'open mind' on Valletta project, foundation calls for car park

Alternattiva Demokratika said today it is open to suggestions on the regeneration of City Gate in Valletta.

Chairman Arnold Cassola said the party welcomed the government's intention to regenerate the whole area by 2013.

“The bombed opera house together with the man-made disaster which started off in 1965 with the building of the horrendous entrance, followed by other architectural monstrosities, should certainly be redressed.

“We now await to see the full plans proposed by world renowned architect Renzo Piano before giving our comments”.

Spokesman on sustainable development and Carmel Cacopardo said that the issues involved were known to all and the controversies that would undoubtedly arise would run across party lines.

AD would seek to approach the public debate on the matter with an open mind, he said.

Meanwhile, the Valletta Alive Foundation said it welcomes government’s decision on the City Gate and the old opera house project and agreed that the opera house site should house the new Parliament.

Moreover, the various activities organised throughout the year on Freedom square indicated a strong demand for popular cultural and educational activities in this strategic location of Valletta. Hence, part of the volume of the opera house site especially at street level should be used as multi-purpose cultural space.

The foundation urged the government to consider including a multistorey car park under a pedestrianised Freedom square.

"Valletta’s economic, social and cultural role could be undermined unless good access is maintained, including parking provision. Provision of underground parking would also allow for reduction of parking and traffic within Valletta streets," the foundation said.

The foundation appealed to civil society to debate the projects in a constructive manner.