Kalkara oil depot controversy

James Schembri

Aug 10th 2009, 17:24

Is-soltu storja hawn Malta - L-awtoritajiet jeqirdu l-wirt arikitettoniku tal-pajjiz, ikun ta liema perjodu jkun laqwa li niddobbaw lira...... issa daru ghad-depot tan-Navy. Kif inhu ikrah vera imma zgur li kieku jigi rrestawrat jigi isbah. L-ironija kbira ta dan il-gvern li issa holmu bil-pjani u ha jibnu parlament m'ghola s-smewwiet fid-dahla tal-belt li ha jghatti l-Kavallier ta' San Gwann. Kieku nibdew nsemmu qatt ma nieqfu binjiet shah meqruda.....tas-seklu 20 kwazi nqered kollu li kien hawn......qerdu ta 400 sena ilu wkoll ahseb u ara ta 60 ilu!!!! X'ahna kburin bil-wirt taghna......... kollox flus jigi

Lawrence D. Attard

Aug 3rd 2009, 18:33

@ Steve Borg Read carefully what I wrote. I condemn anything that is not in the National Interest. I never wrote that I am against / in favour of something, my reason being conditioned in favour or not, PL or PN. What is wrong, nobody can say it is right. Moreover, two wrongs never make a right. I asked YOUR opinion (yours only) about the depot. Don't you think that the picture below gives a more historic aspect to BIRGU than the one above. 100 years ago, the erection of this building more than violated the principles of conservation of historic etc etc ? I think that about this issue me and you are on the same track. Finally, I would like to know your personal opininion about the Jum il-Helsien monument. I think, that like me, you adore BIRGU, and the Cottonera area. Go on, with more people like you CONSENSUS on various issues becomes the order of the day.

Steve Borg PL MEP candidate

Aug 3rd 2009, 17:47

@Lawrence D. Attard Of course Fort St. Angelo should never have been converted into a disco - I think it was called Eruptions or Emotions. Rest assured that whereas this was wrong, be reminded that the permits for those hideous apartments at Fort St. Angelo were approved under Fenech-Adami's era. In 1999 as Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna's representative on the Planning Consultative Committee of the Planning Authority, we had asked Government to be given a seat on the Cottonera Rehabiltiation Commitee, especially when one considers how active we had been in Cottonera and also with the Cottonera waterfront saga still on everyone's minds. We were refused representation, a decision that simply made no sense - from the conservationist perespective. Naturally, it was conventient for government to disregard our objections at planning stage in regard to those obscene apartments that were built under the PN administration. Re-oil depot at Kalkara please read what the Hon. Galdes said: "Mr Galdes observed that the Heritage Unit and the Environment Protection Department had objected to the demolition of this 100-year-old building because this demolition violated the principles of conservation of historic buildings." He was heeding to what this Government's heritage units were saying, nothing more.

Lawrence D. Attard

Aug 3rd 2009, 14:55

@ Steve Borg

Thanks. So as regards Bieb is-Sultan and Fort St Angelo we both agree. I was not there during the clean but that does not mean that I cannot argue about what's right or wrong. I would also have preferred your comments re the Kalkara Depot and my suggestion re the Jum il-Helsien Monument. Whatever, I'm sure your comments will be genuine. Finally, I do not need no kind of proof of what labour has in its folds. People that speak their minds are always an asset to the organisation that they belong. Hopefully people like you will start having their say within PL. Unfortunately, but, you did not get elected as an MEP . Malta and PL definitely deserved better. But, KEEP IT UP !

StefanCachia

Aug 3rd 2009, 11:40

To demolish or not to demolish... that is the question.

The whole point is now only a question of aestetics, but what defines historical and thus worth retaining for future generations, and what not and is thus apt for demolishing. Is the Kalkara oild depot 'historical'?

This is not the first time that British period legacy has been deemed not worth conserving... and thus being demolished... I remember the saga about the British period constructions in St James Cavallier for example.

I believe that the solution lies in a set of standard criteria, a tickable list, which defines a building as historical or not. Obviously this should be compiled by all stakholders!

v.pulis

Aug 3rd 2009, 11:14

@charles grech
There were no bastions where the monstrosity was built near fort St. Angelo. The building was constructed on the site of the Caraffa stores. I was one of those who protested when the buildings were still a twinkle in the eyes of the developers! Furthermore I also wrote about the rest of the 'development' going around the fort namely the huge concrete wharf (now complete) beneath the main gate and, wait for it, the tranformation of de Guiral's battery into a fish food outlet! The horrendous block of buildings at it-toqba is also a blasphemy against the Birgu fortifications about which unfortunately nothing can be done. What we can do is learn from past mistakes (both distant and recent) and do everything in our power not to repeat them.

Joe Fenech

Aug 3rd 2009, 09:40

How could people defend a hideous depot when they've got all those hideous factories in Kalkara and in a few years time Smart City? We're talking about one of the best sea views in Malta. Malta you deserve to disintegrate!!!! You're a disgrace to humanity!!!

M.Saliba

Aug 3rd 2009, 08:26

Whilst totally agreeing with the government on this issue, I also urge the authorities to remove the occupier of a "farm" on the other side of the bastion. This person is occupying a huge chunk of Malta's history to rear animals. Whilst having nothing against the rearing of animals or against the fact that people are given areas to carry on their trade, I would be happy to see this large area that is in a state of total neglect being returned to us, the people of Birgu. I am sure that an alternative area can be found as a replacement to the farm owner. I am also positive that the area concerned can be transformed into a recreational area for the people of Birgu, its neighbouring towns and villages and the numerous people that visit us on a daily basis.

It is a shame that even this issue can be transformed into a political argument.

This message is being sent by a Labour voter.

Pule' Carmel

Aug 3rd 2009, 02:30

Demolish the oil depot, and the hideous glass faced flats behind fort St Angelo. Rip the new road and restore the sealine as it was. Restore all the anchors and chains and buoys stored around the first bastion on the left.
Enhance the next bastion whose base at sea level is full of prehistoric shells, Restore the ditch tac Cerva, Erect the old wooden Kiosk at it toqba il gdida, Demolish the Regatta Club and put back the old submarine in which we chased fish. Restore it toqba il qadima as it was and enhance the two small caves under the fort and provide accsess to l-xkaffa iz zghira w il kbira for diving.
Put a plackard in memory of ilPikles, itTikka, inNuneppi, ilBuli, taBazari, talKatanot, Wenzu ta liena, talBuvett, ilVeza, taKammajs, taBetti, TaZgendu,. izZikenz, ilKukla, il- Paxa, ilGirdi, ta Kammu, tac-Cipi, tat-Tunanu, tad-Devernier, tal Bazoqq, tal-hmar t-Alla, TasSlajvita, tal Malament, ilBude, il-Pussi, Duminku il-pittur, il- Baggigga, ilMandolin, il-MamuDixx, is-Sazu tal hut, il-Qoj, Ta Bengala, Fonzu Grech, il-Bubu, ic Caqqu, il- Mandrillu, L-Amerikan, Ta Fanali, ilQueen, TaKaspan, il Paxa', ilPaxu, Robi ta ras Menu, il Kaxma, Leli tal Bigilla, il Gebli,

A perfect heaven for children to play.

Mario Bonnici

Aug 3rd 2009, 00:03

The oil depot is ugly and useless. So get rid of it.
But also get rid of those garages/constructions and boat yard near the oil depot. UGLY.

Steve Borg PL MEP candidate

Aug 2nd 2009, 23:54

@Lawrence D. Attard

You question my party colleague Roderick Galdes re-Bieb is-Sultan (known also as Zabbar Gate) in Vittoriosa. I quote your words "" VIOLATING THE PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS " - did any single principle exist when the Zabbar, Mina tas-Sultan and Fort St Angelo near St Anne's Chapel were turned into discotheques."

It was obviously a wrong decision to grant a permit to permit the use of the site as a disco. I was one of the people responsible for FWA when the short-lived Labour government of 1996-1998 was in the process of handing it under a management agreement to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. We were eventually handed over the site and immediately started cleaning it from all the tons of rubbish and detritus that had accumulated, including the furniture factory prior to beginning its restoration.

I contested the MEP with the Labour Party and am currently the PL's representative on the MEUSAC environment committee. Now you have proof that the Labour Party has in its folds people that have actively partecipated in restoring historic sites, including Bieb is-Sultan that you have mentioned.

I do not recall YOU amongst those helping in the eventual clean-up at Bieb-is-Sultan.

Raymond Sammut

Aug 2nd 2009, 22:16

@ Galea. L

You still keep dreaming of the Mintoff years. What the Maltese need is another hideous monument to remind us of our freedom from the Mintoff years.

@ Jeremy J Camilleri

I agree fully. Instead of erecting a hideous monument, Mintoff should have liberated us from the British pulkerija, and instead restored for us and for Malta's tourism industry this magnificent and imposing fort.

Anthony Magri

Aug 2nd 2009, 19:07

The fortifications with the oil depot at its feet doesnot lose anything of its value as a fortification.
Where the buildings behind it invisible to the eye sight then yes a fortification wll appear in its impregnable position.
The oild depot could be used as a public utility building. It just needs thorough cleaning to give the Malta stone its true white look. Enzo Piano plan for Valletta by building a Parliament just a few inches away from Saint James Bastion obstructs the majesty of the fort; shall we destroy Parliament in a few years time to uncover the beauty of Saint James Cavalier.
A fortification is no beauty, it just majestic that inspires awe.

charles grech

Aug 2nd 2009, 18:51

For Everyone's information.

The front lower bastions of Fort Saint Angelo were all destroyed so much so that these monstrous flats were exactly built on them.

keith Galea

Aug 2nd 2009, 18:51

This intervention will also help make the area more imposing, particularly from an aesthetic and tourism point of view, re-establishing the proper relationship between the ramparts, their foreshore and the sea.


whilst thanking you for reading the above i have no doubt that listening the story from the hourses mouth explains it all!!
Keith Galea
Communications officer
Ministr for Resources and Rural Affairs

keith Galea

Aug 2nd 2009, 18:51

This intervention will also help make the area more imposing, particularly from an aesthetic and tourism point of view, re-establishing the proper relationship between the ramparts, their foreshore and the sea.


whilst thanking you for reading the above i have no doubt that listening the story from the hourses mouth explains it all!!
Keith Galea
Communications officer
Ministr for Resources and Rural Affairs

keith Galea

Aug 2nd 2009, 18:49

In this instance, however, most of the inherent visual power is dissipated away by the obstruction created by the construction of a naval depot early in the twentieth century, which structure was grafted onto the lower half of ramparts along the frontal elevation of the hornworks.
It is for this important reason that the proposed restoration works on the historic fortified enceinte of Birgu have recommended the demolition of this utilitarian twentieth century depot. The Restoration Unit considers this structure as being totally unrelated to the historic fortifications and has little architectural merit and negligible historic significance to justify the obstruction it is creating to the proper appreciation of the wider context provided by the powerful and otherwise evocative view of the Birgu ramparts.
The advantages, from a fortifications point of view, of the demolition and removal of this depot, therefore, are that it will enable the recuperation of the full frontal elevation of the demi-bastion faces and curtain wall of the Post of Castile, reinstating the evocative ramparts with the visual power they were meant to impart, and allowing them, after a lapse of a century, to be seen and experienced as they were originally meant to be.

keith Galea

Aug 2nd 2009, 18:48

Heruender please find an official statement by Dr Stephen Spiteri Superintendent of Fortification.

An important aspect of the Restoration Unit’s work in the revalorization exercise of Malta’s historic fortifications is that of recuperating the dignity and visual legibility of these imposing structures considered, in their totality, to represent one of the most
important historic fortification ensembles to be found anywhere in the world.

Unfortunately, some important areas of the harbour fortifications were, over the course of the past century or so, obstructed with various utilitarian buildings and structures that have detracted considerably from allowing us a proper appreciation of their full architectural and physical power and uniqueness.
The area known as the Hornworks of the Post of Castile is considered one such area. This important stretch of the Birgu enceinte facing Kalkara Creek, the site of the most important battles of the Great Siege of 1565, provides us with one of the most dramatic and sculpturally powerful statements of the bastioned trace as introduced by the knights of the Order of St John.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Aug 2nd 2009, 17:48

I wonder where most of you were when the hideous flats constructed adjacent to Forty St Angelo were being constructed?

Or when the Excelsior was knocked down, only to be built oin the same hideous fashion....

The sad thing about Malta is that every discussion hinges on partisan politics, and when people commentm the hypocrisy is evident for all to see....

Just for the record, I am a socialist but strongly believe that the oil depot should get knocked down....See....disagreeing with the party you usually agree with is easy after all.....

joe micallef

Aug 2nd 2009, 17:26

That oil depot must GO....the only alternative - dismantle it and reconstruct it in some other place, maybe turning it into an oil museum or a Maltese naval museum. Where it is only serves to remind that colonial powers couldn't give a damn of the colonised as long as it serves their purpose!

Joe Fenech

Aug 2nd 2009, 17:25

...and why not demolish all those atrocious factories in Kalkara and Hal-Far which have ruined 2 of the best see views in Malta?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And what about those horrid buildings BEHIND?????

Lawrence D. Attard

Aug 2nd 2009, 16:33

@ opposition spokesman , I ask -

" VIOLATING THE PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS " - did any single principle exist when the Zabbar, Mina tas-Sultan and Fort St Angelo near St Anne's Chapel were turned into discotheques. If the present government has violated these principles in certain other projects, I'm all out to share that opinion. But this is certainly not the case. As for the Jum il-Helsien Monument. 31 st March 1979 is definitely an important date in our history , but that does not mean that the monument cannot be transferred to another site in Birgu. Myself, and most of the people that really love Birgu agree with this suggestion. With the good will of everybody Govt, opposition, the people of Birgu, this will one day happen. BIRGU, its CHURCH AND EVERYBODY'S NATIONAL MONUMENT WILL LOOK BETTER. Let's grow up.

v.pulis

Aug 2nd 2009, 15:53

Most readers seem to be unaware of the importance of this part of Birgu's fortifications where the great siege is concerned. This part is known as the post of Castille During the siege it was commanded by the knights Maldonado and Buoninsegna and it was here that the Turks breached the walls and nearly overwhelmed Birgu( It is still called il prexxja). Had it not been for de Valette who led a relief force himself and turned back the Ottoman tide getting wounded in the process the siege would have been over as Senglea would have fallen soon after. The knights had scuttled some galleys in front of the bastions as the fortifications were not so strong. Although these are not the same bastions that held back the Turks(the original were reduced to heaps of rubble by the end of the siege) the place is historical and the depot is out of place.

B Sant

Aug 2nd 2009, 15:47

how abt demolishing hotel excelsior - THATS DEFINITLYE AN EYE SORE!!!!!

ABorg

Aug 2nd 2009, 15:45

I would like to know what these buildings are presently being used for, by whom, and how much is being paid for their use. I may then start to understand the PL's objection to their removall.

Galea. L

Aug 2nd 2009, 15:14

p.s.
While at it, how about restoring all the fortifications which are crumbling down and clean the Vittoriosa ditch which goes from Kalkara on the left side of the photo all the way to the other side of Birgu and installing adequate lighting to show the majesty of the fortifications?

Galea. L

Aug 2nd 2009, 15:14

louise vella
Your posting clearly shows that you do not believe in freedom louise and your hatred for the monument which reminds us of our freedom from the British military.

C Borg
Totally agree with you.
How about it Mr pair of strong hands?????

Apart from this and without entering into the merit on whether the building should be removed or not, the Cultural Heritage Act, Chapter 445 of the Laws of Malta Article 3 states that:
"3. For the purpose of this Act, an object shall not be deemed to form part of the cultural heritage unless it has existed in Malta, including the territorial waters thereof, or in any other country, for FIFTY years, or unless it is an object cultural, artistic, historical, ethnographic, scientific or industrial value, even if contemporary, that is worth preserving."

So since the building is more than 50 years old, MEPA is breaking the LAW by allowing this building to be demolished.

I hope that no new building will then be allowed in the interest of commercial enterprises or marinas.

J Martinelli

Aug 2nd 2009, 14:38

@ Jimmy Magro

"The objective seems to be only political - I am sure there is something that we do not know !! " That is your statement.

I am sure that the British Commissioner was the first in line pleading with the government to lay off the Oil Depot! What political motive would there be?

Ah! Then you suggested another government "study"! Typical LP maneuvers and delay tactics. What's there to study? What aesthetic value does the oil depot offer?

Another gem: "Why are the actions being taken seem more sectarian than unifying?". I may not be smart enough to count more than my ten fingers, but it seems to me that the majority are for the removal of the depot, so what 'sectarian' action, what 'division' are you talking about?

Mark Wattson

Aug 2nd 2009, 14:36

Why all the fuss? I think good old Roderick is just seeking some media attention. I think he should have a valid reason before speaking out against a project that is brought forward to preserve something that clearly has a historical importance.

The Depots should go a.s.a.p

A. Zahra

Aug 2nd 2009, 13:58

@ jimmy magro
From you comments I get the impression that you are aware that the LP had plans for the old oil depot , otherwse why lable its demolotion political and devisive. To me, a non political person and a lover of our heritge, the removal of a historically insignificant building masking the historically very significant bastions is only a step in the right direction to be aplauded.

m debono

Aug 2nd 2009, 13:14

On the same premis, ie remove the old addition to display the original, the Gov should GET RID of it's stupid plans in Valletta and restore the City Gate to its' former glory.

In my opinion if the Gov moves ahead with the plans to build parlament in the open area, some time in the future the gov of that time will destroy it based on the same reasoning as now.

I say restore Valletta, St elmo, Kalkara to their former glory. Additions (espically with modern designs) should be forgotton.

joe mizzi

Aug 2nd 2009, 12:58

It,s a good idea if this not so old ex-british place will be demolished. It will be a majestic view of the bastion from the opposite sight of Kalkara. Tourist will see and view the bastions and wonder what a great history we the Maltese have. But who was that irrisponsible person who gave permission to bulit those modern appartments adjacent to St . Angelo??
I wish that all the Cottonera Fortifications will be taken care of.And its about time too.

Roderick Peresso

Aug 2nd 2009, 12:45

@ Jimmy Magro

Mr Magro,

I don't expect questions from you, I expect factual answers. It seems to me that your questions aim to divide the public opinion even more.

I might be a naive citizen who tried to use my education in History of Art (as a secondary subject, i.e. am slightly a little more than a connoisseur in the field, and no art historian/critic) and there might be some hidden political agendas, but that luckily will result in a aesthetically more pleasing and architecturally more faithful spot.

Your reading between the lines, after all those years in politics and with your political insight most notably (in my opinion) being the highly in-tempo decision to quit your political post and make room for new fresh air into your party (a sacrifice which, i think, was wasted) and that added more credit to your political stature, might be right. But you didn't convince me that you are. Please enlighten me.

Ian Bugeja

Aug 2nd 2009, 12:34

The above photo proves that the oil depot should be removed. The hundreds year old magnificent bastions, with all their mastery are hidden and ruined with the oil depot in front of it.

George Busuttil

Aug 2nd 2009, 12:13

As a boy from Cospicua. years ago, this was a favourite swimming place for us being just a short walk down to Kalkara. But nevertheless I think that clearing all buildings from around the bastions is a very good idea. The pictures show how better the place will look. I only hope that this will be but the first step. The Cottonera bastiona should be cleared from all buildings that have cropped up during the years. They will surely look much better if we return the, as much as possible, to the state they were in when built. They will the make a unique tourist attraction especially if one can walk all aroung them and be able to admire their architecture.

C Borg

Aug 2nd 2009, 12:10

Applying the same arguments in favour, how about demolishing that hideous block of flats built right next to St Angelo?

j n ebejer

Aug 2nd 2009, 12:00

Such decisions should be made on whether the building in question has a unique and very important features or historical value, weather it's presence effects the architectural or historic value of were it stands or the area.

I believe that the decision to demolish it will be of more benefit to both the architectural and historical value of the site, since it is in a place were one of the most important occurance of Maltese history took place -the ottoman Turkish attack on Brigu. Furthermore, it obscures and hides off a very important feature of these parts of the fortifications the sally port and the hornworks.

It encourages, supports and commends its work and hopes that the whole of this part of fortifications be restored, shameful occupation and dissonant structures removed and be interpreted and opened to the public.

The architectural features in this part of the fortifications are impressive and will prove a great attraction for locals and visitors and will definitely be a cultural and tourist product of prime importance. In fact the sally port hidden by this modern (1950's ) unimportant building can act as passageway through a fabulouse gate therein on an interpretative walk.

John Pace

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:59

Seems like the opposition is only doing that.....Opposing anything and everything being
proposed by the Government...good or bad.

The historical value and beautify of the bastions by far outweigh those of the depot!!!

Jimmy Magro

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:55

What is the current use of the old depot?

How many new tourists will come to Malta to see the full view of the Kalkara bastions? Are these bastions with a unique value as we have bastions all over the island?

What is the cost/benefit for demolishing the depot and the having the bastions in full view?

The objective seems to be only political - I am sure there is something that we do not know !!

Can the Government publish the studies carried out on the proposal to demolish this building?

Why are the actions being taken seem more sectarian than unifying?

philip pace

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:44

I am all for it but I think that Mr.Keith Aquilina has a big valid point and so Mr. Sciortino while Ms Louise Vella is off the mark by a million miles!.

Vassallo M A

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:28

Come on how can you compare the Pinto Stores with the Oil Depot. The photos above speak for themselves.

Dennis Zammit

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:22

With regards the parish church of Birgu, to bring it back to its origin, one must build again those navy buildings that hid it in a narrow street.

The church in subject was just like St. Paul's in St. Paul Street, Valletta. It had buildings that covered its facade.

Michael Sciortino

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:17

Without going into the merits of whether the oil depot is to be preserved or not, it seems to me that applying the argument that we are to remove buildings in front of bastions we would end up demolishing the Pinto stores (now Waterfront) which obstruct the magnificent Floriana bastions. If we need to demolish these buildings I suggest that we come up with a better argument for doing so.

louise vella

Aug 2nd 2009, 11:02

How about shifting the hideous Jum il-Helsien monument to expose once again the facade of the historical St Laurence parish church in Birgu?

Gabriel A. Pellegrini

Aug 2nd 2009, 10:58

The beauty of the bastions is unique. Carry on with the demolition!

edwin formosa

Aug 2nd 2009, 10:58

thank you for both pictures showing the difference. An undisputed answer to all criticism.

n camilleri

Aug 2nd 2009, 10:55

Well done for removing them. BAstions look much better without them!!

A Grima

Aug 2nd 2009, 10:42

Well done to the government for this decision to remove this eyesore. The Cottonera people can again judge who has the best proposals for the regeneration of the area. Opposing this decision? Simply nonsense.

Keith Aquilina

Aug 2nd 2009, 10:38

How come in the case of Fort St Angelo the exact opposite is happening? Whilst cruising the harbor, yesterday I couldn't but notice the new buildings, attached to this fort which are being built. You must be at sea to notice them. How come these are being built whilst other 'buildings' are being demolished ?

M.Brincat

Aug 2nd 2009, 10:33

It's ugly. Why do people want to keep it?

And don't say historic value . . an oil depot . . .