I would like to congratulate Renzo Piano on producing an outstanding design for Valletta which is exceptional. Admittedly, the master plan and its sensitivity towards the original design of Valletta are outstanding. However, I have some observations for further consideration.
From an architectural point of view, Renzo Piano managed to extend the massive fortification walls of St James Cavalier through the new Parliament building. The transformation of the Yellow Garage with a perched ceiling for natural light at the end of the tunnel and the use of the ditch are excellent, but unless they are linked to an underground transportation node beneath the existing bus terminus this pedestrian area will not function.
The recreation of a wide gentle stepping access behind the bastions and the new City Gate is an innovative idea. The creation of a new open square instead of the police station exposing St Catherine's Church and the original entrance of Auberge d'Italie is great. The adjacent new block of building has to go as well, thereby extending the piazza. The maximisation of an energy-efficient building using stone louvred windows and the rock base for heat exchangers is outstanding, though I have reservations about locating enough fissure-free hard stone in the Maltese islands to withstand the climate elements over time.
Now that the remains of the old Opera House are to be retained, I like the idea of enclosing it with a modern structure, but definitely would opt for a roofed structure to maximise its use as an all-year-round attraction. Also, planning with the future in mind means that if public sensitivity calls for a roofed theatre, then get the same architectural team to design it now, avoiding the use of yet another team in the future, and forestalling more controversy and decades of discussions.
Extending the underground space behind the Opera House (proposed green room) and the new square next to the St Catherine Church will maximise this prime space. One floor of underground car park could be allotted to the OPM and VIP car parking, with access from the ditch currently used by the old lottery building. This would also be ideal for persons with special needs. Some existing underground tunnels could be integrated as VIP access to the Auberge de Castille, the Opera House and Parliament.
The whole planning concept and the design feel of lightness of the Parliament building are very good. I suggest reducing the glazed ground floor area to the minimum to guarantee the creation of more open space. The parking and access to Parliament need to be addressed thoroughly. The closest car park area would be the ditch where the lottery building is located with a people's mover in an underground tunnel, leading directly to Parliament.
Having a separate building with plenty of natural light from the ceiling for the Parliament hall makes it unique. The internal layout of Parliament could be improved, like wider staircases and a VIP access through a direct link from St James Cavalier, but these are details at this stage.
The overall approach towards and planning of City Gate are very well thought out, but I have some suggestions that could improve this, like the use of escalators rather than the external glazed lift. Escalators are much faster and more practical. Lifts are required for persons with special needs or elderly, but one could be located within the bastion's staircase core. Also, the steel structure at the top end of the staircase could be improved with natural stone material.
The proposed restaurant on the railway buildings should be located on the lower level of the ditch. There are a number of reasons for this suggestion.
• The whole project still has to be complemented by a large underground transportation node below Tritons Fountain to house and link public transport, coaches, taxis and the bus station. All of these could be linked to the embellished old railway tunnel leading directly to the proposed escalators within the City Gate.
• The proposed garden in the ditch needs a special attraction for people to make use of it.
• A large modern shopping mall at the same level of the bottom of the ditch would complement this garden, as would open-air casual dining.
• With these new complementary facilities the old railway bridge would need to be clear to act as the main pedestrian passage with an exit between the Parliament and the Opera House.
• A lightweight canopy over the railway bridge will protect the pedestrians from inclement weather and falling objects.
The inclusion of public transportation drop-offs and termini located below Tritons Fountain as presented on the concept plans by Richard England would complement this project. Over the past two decades, I presented a number of proposals for this area aimed at clearing the present mess at City Gate while creating a majestic piazza and approach to this world heritage city. I would also recommend the inclusion of a much-deserved large statue of La Valette.
A huge underground car park should be developed below the existing football ground next to Belt is-Sebħ, connected to the restored and embellished old railway tunnel leading to the city. This tunnel could be complemented with a number of small, electric, driverless trams. This large car park can have a direct access from a short tunnel leading to the Gozo ferry berth at Sa Maison. This will reduce traffic congestion in Floriana and Valletta.
In future, government departments and ministries may be housed within a new development at Belt is-Sebħ. Again this development could be complemented with this new car park and link. The MCP car park should increase its car parking spaces in the centre core and be roofed over with a landscaped public garden.
This is a fantastic concept, and with some minor improvements would definitely make our future generations proud of today's decision. Now we need to act fast.
The author is chairman of AX Group.