It's not perfect but let's move ahead

After much thought, I want to make my comments on the Valletta City Gate project.

The open-air theatre is a wise idea.

The Parliament building is also impressive and useful.

Both are tributes to the talents of the world renowned architect.

But the gate! The so-called "gate" is just a neat breach in the bastions. It seems that a gate never actually existed and suddenly the need arose to pass a road through.

I don't understand the use of the "dividers". And why make such a large opening, presumably for lift users, when a small insignificant opening would adequately serve the same purpose.

The proposed "gate" reminds me of the bastions on both sides of the majestic Notre Dame Gate in Vittoriosa. On both sides alternative passages were "constructed". The breach on one side was covered by an arch while on the other side the bastion was just cut off. I was always told that it was intended to be finished like the other side, but it remained an unfinished job.

The Knights and the British built much more graceful gates for us and the Romans would have done much better.

Let the experts (I am not an expert) give their studied views. If Renzo Piano finds that the suggestions are justified, hopefully he will be willing to make the necessary changes to his plans.

But let's go ahead with the project; we have waited too long and anything is better than the present state of the city entrance area.