AD supports Piano's plans for Valletta

Alternattiva Demokratika said today that it backs Renzo Piano's proposals for the Opera House and Freedom Square sites.

The party spokesperson on sustainable development, architect Carmel Cacopardo said:"Whilst there could be reasons justifying the criticism of the individual components of the project AD considers that the proposals should be seen as a whole. In particular AD supports the proposals' sensitivity to the Opera House site as well as the integration of green concepts in the design of the new Parliament building. Whilst AD would have preferred the Parliament to be sited elsewhere it considers that the proposal submitted is reasonable.

"The proposal will remove a large parking site and hence further reduce the number of cars which can enter Valletta at a given time. This is in addition to the reduction resulting from the pedestrianisation of Merchants Street and the paving of St George's Square.

"Within this context the reform of public transport system assumes urgent significance. The introduction of an efficient public transport system coupled with the reduction of parking spaces could reduce cars from our roads making them not only safer but also resulting in cleaner air'.

AD augured that other valid ideas brought up by civil society such as that for a national library are followed up and that other sites in Valletta are renovated and put to good use.

It also hoped that the timeframe and budget for the City Gate project are adhered to.

No mention of City Gate was made in the AD statement.