Debate continues on Piano's City Gate plans (3)

When I first heard of Renzo Piano's plans for Valletta I had many reservations. Having now seen the detail I can only say I am impressed. He has quite rightly identified that a national theatre is a non-starter on this site. He has probably also recognised that the government is determined to build a Parliament here. His master stroke is to remove Pope Pius V Street and the parade of retail shops beneath. This with the removal of the City Gate has opened up the entrance to Valletta which now clearly says merhba whereas the old Mintoff monstrosity said telqa.

The retention of the Opera House ruins is a sop to nostalgia. It will never operate as a proper theatre, but the occasional concert or drama will be fine. Recreational use as an open space will be welcomed. It is really a monument to war time Valletta.

But I would hope the freshness and less stressful approach will be extended to Floriana. While we are about it, why not remove all the buses from around the fountain and move them to a new bus station in Triq Nelson. This would give back a large recreational area to the people. It would be the perfect site for the Carnival which is now homeless. It would also relieve the area of exhaust and noise pollution and make it safer and more environmentally friendly.

As a last thought, is the roof of the new building covered in solar panels?

Congratulations Mr Piano, it was worth waiting for. All it now needs is the will of the politicians to make it happen.