Roy Martin, Luqa
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.
7 Comments
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Carmel Attard
Jul 12th 2009, 04:10
Who ever Destroyed our Gate in the First place ought to have it documented on their graves and be it known as a Plaque on the City wall .. I do not care who it was .. and if Dr.Gonzi does not want his name on it as well ... he better think again and rebuilt what was destroyed. It was man made Vandalism, not an earthquake or Fire, or War devastation!! Those who are now thinking of not having a gete because the enemy comes from above .. Have to start dismantling the Walls and think of how to build them up above ..or Shut up!!!
Joseph Ellul
Jul 5th 2009, 04:50
This new plan is all about accepting a foriegn plan to change Malta into something that is not. Malta has always been reserved and protective and yet this plan shows openness with a breach in the walls. It has a mix of glass and shade that to me represent false images and power. With this plan Valletta will become the ravaged city that has been defeated and its walls opened up to something that is not compatable with the architecture. Valletta is the CITY. Valletta belongs to the people not the ploiticians. Politicians have no right to change OUR CITY. Put this to a national vote. I hope that the PM will not fall to the North European trick. Malta will always be in the middle of everything and yet it means nothing to anyone unless we remain different. Malta has its history, so give Valletta back its identity and dress her up in her original dress. The fortified walls must remain and no politics please.
Antoine Vella
Jul 4th 2009, 21:22
Galea L.
Valletta was built as a fortified city 450 years ago but it is no longer "fortified". It may come as a surprise and a disappointment to you but the walls and bastions are nowadays considered monuments without any military usefulness. Rebuilding a fake monument would be ridiculous, so calm down, there's no blasphemy involved and the Turks are not coming to invade us again. Don't worry, in time you'll come to love the entrance to our capital city.
E. Vassallo
Jul 4th 2009, 20:30
@Galea L
Ahh, it alright to crucify Gonzi and all the PN bandwagon, but you do not tolerate any criticisms of any Labour leaders!!!!
Galea. L
Jul 4th 2009, 16:39
Roy Martin
You letter clearly shows you hatred for whatever Mintoff has done for Malta and the Maltese people.
Valletta was built as a FORTIFIED city and leaving it without a gate is one of the blasphemies that Piano has made.
If the project goes through, Gonzi and Piano will forever be remembered as the second vandals and destroyers of our Capital City, the first ones being those who made the present fascist gate in 1963, another PN Government.
Antoine Vella
Jul 4th 2009, 12:38
I agree with Mr Martin that the next step should be be the transfer and re-organisation of the bus terminus, not only for the sake of Valletta but also - especially - for the sake of the passengers.
vincent a galea
Jul 4th 2009, 12:03
I think the will of the Government is available.... but do the majority of the people want it... ?
That is the question.....