Anthony Farrugia, Siġġiewi
No reason to rebuild clock tower
For the past few years, the building of a replica of the old Vittoriosa clock-tower has been a highly controversial issue. The tower was partly damaged during the war but dismantled completely during the reconstruction of Victory Square.
Whether it is rebuilt or not does not affect me personally, since I do not even live in Vittoriosa, but I am sure I am voicing the feelings of many of the city's residents who are against the erection of this monstrous building, even if both major political parties have not objected to it.
No matter how perfect and to scale all architectural designs are, once this eight-storey building is erected it will definitely leave an impact on the social fabric of the residents, especially those living in Victory Square; besides, it will cast a shadow over the square all day long but unfortunately this impact is never shown on any designs.
The building has no historical value as it will be just a copy of the old one. It is simply a squarish, eight-storey building, and as for the argument that it will become a tourist attraction, Vittoriosa already attracts many tourists.
As a panoramic tower for tourists, I cannot imagine what one can see from up there except laundry hanging on roofs, outdoor air-conditioning units, television satellites and aerials, rusty cranes at the old Drydocks and shabby Marsa Creek. There will certainly be no natural sights to admire.
If tourists want to have a panoramic view of Valletta and the Grand Harbour up to Kalkara parish church, all they need to do is to go up La Vallette Street, a few metres away.
Instead, why not restore the Cottonera bastions, open and use the Knights' auberges and palaces in Vittoriosa, or build a parking area for residents and visitors?
5 Comments
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Anthony Farrugia
Apr 27th 2009, 10:26
As to Mr. john Cassar's comment where to build a car park; I'am sure that there are various localities that does not affect anything or any body. Such as, beneath part of the road at Triq San Lawrenz or beneath the Fortini Football grounds. I am sure that where there is a will there is a way.
joe agius
Apr 26th 2009, 21:44
i am a resident of Birgu and by no means effected by the Tower whether built or not, however i too agree with your correspondent that it has no worthiness today to rebuilt it. Nothing remains of the old tower, except probably the foundation and rusted iron pieces of the clock, which in the past were exhibited at the Inquisitors Palace, later at the exhibition hall of the local council and now stored away, God knows where.
v.pulis
Apr 26th 2009, 20:55
And while you're at it why not pay some attention to Senglea's clock tower on the other side of the creek? Not to mention fort St. Angelo which is in a deplorable state.
john cassar
Apr 26th 2009, 20:55
For once I agree with mr Demartino. I would like to ask mr A Farrugia : where does he suggest this car park?
GiovDeMartino
Apr 26th 2009, 16:53
Before building this clock tower, please repair the clock on the Maritime Museum.