Piano plans welcomed

The Valletta Alive Foundation has welcomed the plans for the building of an open-air theatre and for Parliament to be moved to City Gate despite its initial concerns over Renzo Piano's proposed designs.

The foundation said it was confident that Mr Piano's innovative designs and astounding architectural mastery would be a major tourist attraction that would make Maltese citizens proud of their capital city.

However, it is concerned about the progressive loss of parking in the city and the removal of the access road over City Gate and has urged the goverment to find both short- and long-term solutions for parking and traffic circulation while ensuring minimal disruption in Valletta during works.

The foundation had also expressed concern about the relocation of shops situated outside City Gate, which would need to be moved due to the project.