Shop owners want to be heard
Shop owners in Valletta have expressed regret that they were not consulted on the proposed Valletta projects.
They have set up a joint committee between the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise and the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU, including the participation of the Republic Street business community, to embark on discussions with the government on the needs of businesses and private investors in Valletta.
The committee will be requesting a public dialogue meeting with the Prime Minister for all businesses to have the opportunity to express their judgement on the proposals.
In a statement, the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU, said that although it was said that even the Opera House ruins were heard, the business owners, who together had investments worth hundreds of millions of euros and who employed hundreds of workers, were not.
They said it seemed no one had calculated the economic impact of what was being proposed to offer an alternative to businesses, especially the 25 shop owners who were being removed from Freedom Square and the theatre site.
13 Comments
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Samwel Bezzina
Jul 6th 2009, 10:06
Does anyone know where the republic monument is and will be placed after republic square is refurbished?
Martin Galea
Jul 2nd 2009, 23:37
I think that the project will enhance this entrance into Valletta, and will remove an eyesore created in the 60’s.
However, I am concerned that I have not seen any recommendations or plans about parking and transport around the city. A substantial amount of parking space is going to be lost, due to the loss of parking in Freedom Square, Yellow Garage, and ditches and on the road on top of city gate. In my humble opinion, without alternative parking, all businesses in Valletta will suffer.
Has anybody heard anything on this issue? If so, can you please enlighten me?
I am surprised to read so much contempt toward people that own/run the shops in Valletta. Don't these people realise that without the shops, the cafes’, the restaurants, etc the City of Valletta will die? Be honest, when did you last go into Valletta without the need to visit one of these establishments?
I just hope that the government will take the Valletta parking and transport issues seriously, ensuring that the project will be a success and to the benefit of all. (Martin Galea, UK)
r pace bonello
Jul 2nd 2009, 19:33
A contract is a contract and the lease is up. End of story. No consultations necessary much less any obligation to provide alternative locations. AND DEFINITELY NO COMPENSATION. Let us move on
laurence schembri
Jul 2nd 2009, 18:45
Yes Franco, what happen to Smart City? Romours has it that the Co. is bankrupt, Is it possille?
Wilfred L Camilleri
Jul 2nd 2009, 18:35
I have no issue with duscussion and consultations. That said, I hope that they weren't expecting that the planned enhancements to the area would include stores.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 2nd 2009, 18:22
@ J Busuttil - Really? The last time I looked, I thought it was Smartcity that was doing just that!
M. Fenech
Jul 2nd 2009, 18:19
The 25 shop owners can be easily re-allocated to the City Gate Arcade, which has closed shops and plenty of space availability, which in turn will re-vamp the whole arcade from being a rubbish dump, like it is today.
Rocco Cauchi
Jul 2nd 2009, 18:19
So, unfortunately, there it goes again, that down-your-throat syndrome successfully applied for EU entry (2003), elections (2008) and now the city entrance. Fast talk and media propaganda where we are told of people thronging to enjoy the plastic models and given ONLY favourable clips on the media but no mention of abounding criticism or consultation. Time's up, the sole examiner/invigilator says, and you've had enough for your say. We must now rush on to the magical year when Valletta will be "European" (read only EU) capital. Just a short historical reminder to throw light on early 20th century plans for Valletta. When Malta was granted self-government in 1921, the plan was to have the Main Guard changed into a sort of Ten Downing Street, or PM's residence and office. A slight push was given again to this plan around 1983 when the whole Main Guard block down to Strait Street was requisitioned, as was the whole of the Castille block to Melita Street. This block was intended to be the new House of Parliament, and the Main Guard block the new OPM. Going ny ventennial strides, is it about time rethinking this plan for 2019 or 2021?
J Busuttil
Jul 2nd 2009, 18:05
Consultation yes but no diktat from shop owners. Now is the time to procede with these projects that is an economic slowdown so that we kick start the economy.
J Saliba
Jul 2nd 2009, 17:43
"They said it seemed no one had calculated the economic impact of what was being proposed to offer an alternative to businesses, especially the 25 shop owners who were being removed from Freedom Square and the theatre site." I don't agree with this point. Having a great architects footprint will stimulate tourism and our capital city will definitely register more activity with such landmarks that with a group of shops. Please mr government find a solution for these shops but don't let it stop your job of making our city beautiful once again.
Raymond Sammut
Jul 2nd 2009, 17:40
@ R Axisa That is not the case. Things have been too good for shop owners during the many years of inaction by governments. It is now time for them to start relocating their businesses. This is a historical site they have been occupying for far too long. The public is well and truly fed up, and the current government has to move on and implement the Piano plans. No one is saying that Shop Owners should be denied consultation. Consultation is a government responsibility towards the affected parties, and there can be no reason as to why consultation will not take place. But consultation should not mean that shop owners should have it their way and not vacate the land which is public land adjacent to a historical site.
Hector Mamo
Jul 2nd 2009, 17:39
Jien nahseb li jekk dawn il-hwienet krew l-art mill-gvern mela kienu jafu li l-hanut mhux tahom u li xi darba seta jittehdilhom lura l-post. Jiddependi jekk il-kirja waslitx fi tmiema jew se tinqata fin-nofs. Jekk waslet fi tmiemha zgur mhux problema tal-gvern.
R Axisa
Jul 2nd 2009, 17:26
Xi darba l-PN kien partit tad-djalogu ta' veru - il-lum il-gurnata l-PN isostni li ghadu partit tad-djalogu, imma l-fatti juru totalment il-maqlub, ghax ghaddej bulldozer fuq kulhadd, bla konsultazzjoni ma' min ikun involut, f'dal-kaz mas-sidien tal-hwienet li se jintlaqtu bil-progetti tal-belt Valletta. Issa jew isiru il-progetti kif gew ipprezentati u tal-hwienet involuti jbaghtu l-konsegwenzi, jew isiru tibdil fil-progetti.