City Gate shops have to be vacated within two weeks
Shops at City Gate and Freedom Square, in Valletta must be vacated by March 27, which means tenants have two weeks within which to reach an agreement with the government on alternative premises.
Reginald Fava, who, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, is representing 12 of the 14 tenants, said that, although no deal had yet been struck, the government had been "very receptive" and understood their concerns.
Talks are still under way and Mr Fava said there was "goodwill" for a solution to be found.
A spokesman for the Parliamentary Secretariat for Land, which is dealing with the tenants, would not give any further details since the talks are still in progress.
The government has already declared that the shopping mall above Burger King in City Gate can be used as alternative premises, but Mr Fava described the present state of the place as a "dump".
"They mentioned refurbishing it but it's more complicated than that. We are concerned about loss of customers because of the new location. We are also worried about the refurbishment of the individual shops and the obstruction the City Gate project would cause," he admitted.
Mr Fava said he had set up a committee, made of representatives of shops owners in Merchants Street and Republic Street, and incorporating the Valletta Alive Foundation, to discuss ways of mitigating the effect the Renzo Piano project would have on Valletta outlets. Parking problems were also being addressed.
The entrance to Valletta being proposed by Mr Piano will do away with the arcades and the shops on one side of Freedom Square. The outlets operating from the ruins of the old opera house will also have to close down as they do not feature in the plans.
Upon his arrival from a meeting with Mr Piano and his team in Paris last month, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had said the project would start in April with the removal of the existing structures around Freedom Square.
Work was meant to have started in January but was delayed by three months to give time to the government to reach an agreement with the Freedom Square shop tenants.
The Piano project incorporates a roofless theatre, on which Dr Gonzi said the government would be following Mr Piano's advice.
A new Parliament will be built in Freedom Square and there will be alterations to the facade of a block of government flats on the left of the entrance to the capital city and the rehabilitation of the grubby bus terminus outside but these two projects have only just been added to the architect's brief.
So far, between €60-€80 million have been set aside for the project.
More items from The Times in the news section.
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Danny Aijian
Apr 3rd 2010, 08:26
I am an architecture student from the United States and have been following the progress of this project as closely as I can from this distance. I am curious what the average size is for the retail shops surrounding the southern edge of the square? How much retail space, if any, is lost with the new design by Mr. Piano? My thesis project is a theoretical "traditional" counter-proposal for Freedom Square and the Opera House. I would encourage the people of Valletta to listen to the ideas of its students at the University of Malta architecture department; the future of the city and its success on the world stage lies in the hands and visions of Valletta's young people, and their creative minds have much to offer.
Marton Saliba
Mar 13th 2010, 18:01
I'm looking forward to the the new face of the city gate, but that's my main concern, how long will it take?
Ludwig Flask
Mar 13th 2010, 16:59
“…So far, between €60-€80 million have been set aside for the project...”, I don't know you, but considering we have poor people in Malta, unemployed persons with families, families with social problems, and the list goes on... isn't there a daring Maltese architect whom can show his KINGness in architecture and show PM and Piano that he can offer the right solution for Valletta and Malta without spending so much on 'stone'?
Tommy Hetfield
Mar 13th 2010, 17:54
Maltese are rich people. BMW cars everywhere. In Africa you will see people begging for food. I dont think it is the case in Malta. everywhere mobile phones, nice clothes, expensive restaurants. nice buses. i think this is good for malta the architecture thing. it will open malta to the world. so more tourist means more money for maltese and gozitans
Mike Magri
Mar 13th 2010, 13:56
@ M. Pule..".let the RED doomers and gloomers scream their heart out.."
Question boy.. IS Father Peter Seracino Inglott, and ALL those other artists, etc.., who together wrote to the PM, STRONGLY Objecting to the building of the `Tennis Court` like theatre as proposed by Piano the genious, `RED` doomers and gloomers too.. ???!!!!???!!!
Hallina... Don`t be so childish Sur Pule .. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE MALTESE CITIZENS DO NOT WANT ANY OF THE PIANO PLANS TO MATERIALIZE.. AND YOU KNOW IT DARN WELL TOO... IF PIANO`S PLANS ARE DONE AS IS, THIS WOULD BE A CLEAR CASE OF ABSOLUTE WASTE OF THE TAX PAYERS` MONEY, AND THUS, IN THE END, SOMEONE IS TO BE HELD PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR SUCH WASTE AND SCOUNDERING OF PUBLIC FUNDS... PERIOD....
M.Pule
Mar 13th 2010, 11:44
Come on Dr Gonzi....get on with the job! We elected you to decide & govern. I am sure that your decisions are right and the place will be another feather in Malta's hat. Let the RED doomers and gloomers scream their heart out. Finally, when they suffer another defeat, they will say that they were wrong.
Kimberly Borg
Mar 13th 2010, 11:21
The truth is that Dr Gonzi knows that his tenure at the helm is running out. He will not be confirmed next elections. Therefore he wants to go out with a project for which he will be remembered for; i.e. re-inventing La Valette's Valletta. As for the costs involved these are of no matter at all, Labour will then have to face the music to balance the books ...........
Sarahjane Brincat
Mar 13th 2010, 00:42
Oh come on!!! all this panic and evacuation for a roofless theatre and two giant stones standing there for an entrance come on??!! THIS IS STUPID!!!! and i'm sorry for the tenants that have to be evacuated
M Warrington
Mar 12th 2010, 21:05
@L Cutajar. I don't think we should politicise this issue Politics are nothing but a dirty game in reality.No party is perfect and we all know it! This is a national concern which, if not tackled well, might end up in an eyesore imposed on us and future generations too (like the present city gate). Being against the project does not make one belong to any particular party! Thank God we have the freedom to oppose the government when we do not agree without the fear of losing jobs or anything else!
A Zammit
Mar 12th 2010, 12:53
@ James Grech: So doing this project, which is a disgrace, instead of helping out the economy for you is 'another winning card, of our party' and that this 'will once more reflect that PN is the party of the maltese and to the maltese'???? Your party just showed how much he is 'of the maltese' by making the utility bills he did and by continuing to help the few elite. Who needs to give break to whom Mr Grech? And you want us to take you seriously?!
stephen baldacchino
Mar 12th 2010, 12:20
Can anyone tell me were or from were am I going to reach my house on city gate when the actual bridge is not going to be there anymore after the project will be finished?????? That means that the entrance to valletta from next to the central bank is no longer going to be there.
Mike Magri
Mar 12th 2010, 09:28
Dear ALL....To take `a` decision, one does not need to be a genious or some kind of a particularly strong person, because it`s result could go either way, anyway. To be successful on its implimentation, it ONLY needs to be Thouroughly and Honestly discussed between ALL those concerned.. Listen truly to what the experts involved have to say... BUT most importantly, it MUST be without ANY hidden personal agendas.. Without any misty clouds surrounding it or any strings attached...
In this Piano`s case for our beloved City of Valletta, the majority of the Maltese people, DO NOT AGREE with what is being proposed, AN WE ALL KNOW THIS... So WHY are we acting like Ostriches, burrying our heads in the sand and going ahead with this POPULARLY and PROFESSIONALY REJECTED Project....!!!???!!!
I am more than sure, that if we STUBORNLY go ahead with the project as is, our children and children`s children will rightfully so, MALEDICT ous (JISHTUNA bill-malti)....
Dawn huma flus MIT-TAXXI TAL-POPLU...... TKUNUX SUPPERVI.....
V. Xerri
Mar 12th 2010, 03:19
Ejjew ghas-sahha ta l-argument nghidu li tliet snin ohra jkun hemm Partit iehor fil-gvern. U l-bini tad-dahla tal-bieb il-belt ikun tlesta.
Allura jibdew isiru protesti biex dan il-bini jinhatt halli " bieb il-belt jinghata dehra li tixraqlu" jew galadarba sar ninsew kollox?
Daniel Buhagiar
Mar 11th 2010, 22:47
Hello people barry's old opera house was thought to be very distastful when this was built as this clashed with the architecture if valletta. The aucustics where horrible, so rebuilding it would be like having another MCC. However people learned to live with and cherish it. IF anything if this is to be rebuilt the interior should be used for another purpose, maybe a space for modern art??The present government is FINALLY after 25 yrs doing a lot of things to rejuvinate this city that i hold close to my heart. For this i praise the current government for the:
Embellishment of st george square
pedestrianised areas
Extensive restoration works
Grand masters palace
castilia
Victory church
St pauls
bastions + muesum
paving
governmental palaces
st james and st jones cavalier
public gardens
_barrakka lower and upper
_hastings
restoration of fort st elmo(in the pipe line)
And finally giving the entrance a facelift
U want to see real monstrosities just look to the left on entering valletta
GWU headquaters
shabby privately owned buildings
and uninspired governmental housing
Sergio Galea Vincenti
Mar 11th 2010, 19:38
The PN under Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami made the terms 'dialogue', 'democracy' and 'solidarity' cornerstones of its vision for a modern, European Malta which however had its foundations planted in its people, heritage and Christianity values. Regardless of one's political beliefs, no one can honestly state that no errors were made but neither can one say that the PN under EFA swayed from its core beliefs and I say this being a Labourite. I cannot say the same for the PN under the leadership of Dr. Gonzi: I see a PN which has rapidly degenerated into a Party where dissenting views are seen as threats - from whichever corner these may be coming from and whether justified or not. The way this project has been bulldozed into action with disregard to public consultation has transformed this project - which should have rightly served as a unifying project favoured by all Maltese - into an insensitive initiative lacking sensitivity and transparency. Malta could use more wisely the Euro80 million which this now flawed project shall cost especially at a time when everyone in Malta is footing exorbitant utility bills due to the mismanagement of a public entity.
James Grima
Mar 11th 2010, 16:35
Oh Victor Laviera, and others like him gives us a break. All of us know that this project will once more reflect that PN is the party of the maltese and to the maltese. The opposition is crying out loud because it knows that this project is another winning card, of our party :D Eager to see it finished by the 2013 election. It will be wonderful seeing Dr. Gonzi reconfirmed as our prime minister, and entering the new parlament house :D
George Vella (not the MP)
Mar 11th 2010, 16:29
Dear Dr. Gonzi you are very hardheaded with no measure of architectural sense. I am sure you will be remembered for the generations to come in having inflicted unsurpassable damage to the great city of Valletta than ever before by any one ...not even during World War II !
Renzo Piano's plan in Malta is only fit for the Smart City. Please remember that Valletta belongs to the people and you have no right to withhold it from them.
Jane Bartolo
Mar 11th 2010, 14:48
Well done to Jason Azzopardi and all his team!
I'm looking forward to seeing this project completed for the benefit of the tourism industry but more importantly for Valletta to be finally given an entrance fit for such a majestic city!
leo attard
Mar 11th 2010, 14:33
@joseph cauchi
If the majority is silent then how do you know what the majority wants. perhaps you are wearing headphones and can only hear what is being pumped into your ears. Or maybe the majority is silent because it is flabbergasted at how one can think of such an expensive cosmetic project when there is talk of an out of control deficit! That money could have alleviated enemalta's financial difficulties and thus alleviate the general public in regards to the utilitiws bills! Mr.Cauchi, what do you think the effect of all this is going to be on the deficit which is a fact? When one is in debt, one does not go out and buy a Ferrari!
Astrid Vella
Mar 11th 2010, 13:55
All those who think that the Authorities have not respected public consultation over the Valletta Regeneration Plans should come to the rally on Saturday at 10am at City Gate.
The legally-binding Structure Plan states: “Parliament and the Ministries will concentrate in the palaces and auberges of Valletta.” The law is clear and indisputable. There are no two ways about it.
Anyone wanting to object to the Valletta Rehabilitation plans as presently proposed, can do so at: http://www.ambjentahjar.org/Form1.htm
I urge all readers to turn up on Saturday the 13th, City Gate,10am to show that we shall not be bullied by all the attempts that are being made to silence us on this issue.
wally vella-zarb
Mar 11th 2010, 13:49
@ L.Cutajar
By your same brand of 'logic' one can reasonably conclude that you are in favour of Piano's non-theatre and invisible gate simply because they are a project of the present government and not because you have the slightest clue about theatre or aesthetics. Mind you, we had no doubt about that...
J Oatmon
Mar 11th 2010, 13:06
Why is this a priority project and not a new courts complex?
People wait ten years for justice, and there is a desperate need for a new courts complex. with triple capacity, to speed up justice.
And so it continues - the disgrace of Malta's antiquated, corrupt, and time wasting (waste of time) legal system.
A new city gate costing a fortune, before justice - yeah right.
g.c.Forte
Mar 11th 2010, 12:30
@ Joseph Cauchi.........You are being unfair and egoist, because those who you are calling " brigade,and noisy minority " are paying taxes, like you. We have ALL the right to express our point of view, because it is our City as much as it is yours. ( I hope that you are from the City like me, after all ) It is our country as much as it is yours. The whole point is that this arrogant and irresponsible government is finding and wasting OUR MONEY, in stupid projects, and to cover up for the inefficiency of Enemalta, you and me have to pay. Now that you are a crusader, let me ask you a question that I have been waiting for an answer from when this farce started. I hope that you answer me. " If Pope Puis V road is going to be abolished, from where the delivery vehicles are going enter Valletta to deliver there services ? and.. Who told you that the majority are agreeing with the project....even the P.M. said that he do not agree 100 % of all the project. If the P.M. is credible, he should called a serious referendum.
Joe Xuereb
Mar 11th 2010, 12:15
Iz-zmien jaghtina parir (time will tell). There are too many loopholes in this whole project thing.
The roofless theatre apart - what a ridiculous idea especially in seeking endorsement by nodding towards ancient Greek theatres, how very shallow.
Considering the expense in cash-strapped times, a new Parliament building? The 'idejn sodi' are suddenly being congratulated for clever decision-making - but these hands are only applauding in self-congratulatory fashion, don't you see?!
As for providing higher standard outlets in Freedom Square so as not to repel tourists - the tourist card is still being played? Has the penny not dropped that tourism is a very fickle industry that can, and does, dry up at the drop of a penny. I think a better idea in preparation for 2018 would be for the Maltese to build something Maltese for the Maltese and forget vainglorious posturings for posterity that cost way too much in any case. I will end like I started. Time will tell.
Edwin Mifsud
Mar 11th 2010, 11:52
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gIYnRfmX-k
Renzo Piano Vs Edward Barry
Barry will say "Renzo who????"
Iriduh kif kien it teatru irjal.
Adrian Borg Cardona
Mar 11th 2010, 11:43
What has happened to all those hundreds of objections made by the public? I thought that even Govt needs a MePA permit to carry out building works - or are some projects more equal than others? Is Govt above the law?
L. cutajar
Mar 11th 2010, 11:42
Whoever is saying that the majority of maltese people are against the valletta project is wrong. Once again this is nothing but a political agenda of the MLP to say no against anything that the Government says. il-veru partit tal-le. I urge the government to go ahead with this brilliant project as soon as possible so that once again the maltese people will have a capital city to be proud for.
lgalea
Mar 11th 2010, 21:09
Have you ever seen the result of the online polls? Have you every seen how many NGOs are against the project? Do you want us to believe that they are all PL supporters? No Cutajar, this is simply Gonzi wanting to leave his name as others have done before him, but he sure will be remembered as the modern vandal who vandalized our capital city for his ego. This project when the country is in such dire straits reminds me of the African dictator who made a copy of the Vatican if I remember correctly in a poor African country when the money was squandered on this project while its people remained pennyless and hungry.
R. Gauci
Mar 11th 2010, 11:42
Se jkun progett pastazata, fi ftit snin se jigi trattat mill-generazzjonijiet futuri kif il-generazzjoni tieghi titratta l-Bieb tal-Belt prezenti....PASTAZATA. Fejn se jkun it-teatru? Fejn se jkun Bieb il-Belt? Kull ma se naraw hu semplicement embellishment ta` l-arja u estensjoni ta` Republic Street bill-bini tal-Parlament il-gdid...stonatura arkitettonika kbira. Dan kollu se jiswiena aktar minn 80 miljun ewro pero.
Jon Vercellono
Mar 11th 2010, 11:37
@C Cassar - you say, "The majority of Maltese are in support of the new plans but are a silent majority. No need for any senseless and uncivilised street marches by those who have Malta's future at heart."; which is confusing - wouldn't a street march by those who have Malta's future at heart be sensible and in line with your thinking? Or should those who have Malta's future at heart remain silent? Isn't it a civic duty for those who have Malta's future at heart to have a street march? Are members of this silent majority also members of a NGO?
J Scerri
Mar 11th 2010, 11:20
"So far, between €60-€80 million have been set aside for the project. " You're kidding for sure! We are in Malta, and all projects -whether they have been undertaken by one political party or the other - always cost twice or thrice as much as planned or budgeted for. All Maltese should know that by now.
@ l Cassar
"...world class contemporary architectural statement". Please humour me, and explain how that is going to put bread on the table for my family. Those millions of Euro can be utilized for better purposes for the benefit of the Maltese considering the economic situation in general which has effected not only Malta but the whole world.
Joseph Cauchi
Mar 11th 2010, 11:10
.
It is about time that this project gets the go-ahead!
At last we are moving things and this dilapidated site will become one of the jewels of Valletta in due course.
This project will definitely put Valletta on the world map, whatever the Anti-Piano-Brigade, which consists of the NOISY MINORITY, may preach; and make our capital city a real world heritage site.
Malta needs resilient leaders who are not discouraged by this Noisy Minority.
The SILENT MAJORITY is in favour of this project and therefore must be listened to.
Carry on PM!
JC.
A. E. Abela
Mar 12th 2010, 06:27
Heritage is made out of stone, marble, granite and other hard, natural materials., surely not from poisonous processed materials like plastic or perspex.
C Cassar
Mar 11th 2010, 11:03
Fantastic news - the project finally starts. A great first step is to clear outthe ugly premises that have adorned the entrance/Freedom square for so long. These establishments are currently putting tourists off Valletta since it's the first thing they see. Once all of these are removed better quality companies and premises will be established.
The majority of Maltese are in support of the new plans but are a silent majority. No need for any senseless and uncivilised street marches by those who have Malta's future at heart.
lgalea
Mar 12th 2010, 09:00
If you are so sure why don't you ask Gonzi to hold a referendum about it?
Go on you and Gonzi.
Consult the people. Don't be CHICKENS.
Jason Falzon
Mar 11th 2010, 11:02
@ Victor Laiviera
Have you ever read Animal Farm. There is a very important sentence that goes somewhat like this.
All animals are EQUAL, but some animals are MORE EQUAL then others. This was aimed at Soviet totalitarianism.
This is what we are experiencing at the moment. To add insult to injury, apart for having to dish the money for a project we don't agree with, we'll see that most of it will be used to give our oh so honourable representatives a new plush eyesore parliament. Obviously all from our pockets.
Mind you I agree in principle that Valletta needs regeneration, but to use that fact as an excuse to build a new parliament, no sir!! What is also upsetting is that we didn't hear one word from the opposition.
Rachel Theuma
Mar 11th 2010, 10:58
Valletta needs A project, but not this project. However I believe that Malta has more urgent issues to deal with at the moment.
If you want to see what a beautiful Opera house there was in Valletta, there is miniature scale model of the opera house on show in Msida. It was hand made out of stone with extreme attention to detail, and is exposed a small shop at the corner of Zamenhof Street in Msida.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Mar 11th 2010, 10:54
Mhux Hekk. Viva il-Parlamentari (Parlament bis-saqaf.) Povru il-poplu (Teatru bla Saqaf). 80million Euro( Maybe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I am sure it will end up with much more, as usual. The name PIANO is world renown and thats good. But why do we have to go to foreigners for such big projects. What about or own draftsmen and architects ? Why are they put aside when such big projects are taken in hand? These 80 million and more would have remained in Maltese Pockets. Charity beginsat Home. Thats how the saying goes. BUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Gulia
Mar 11th 2010, 10:48
Prosit Prim Ministru li kapaci tiehu decizjoni!.......Ghax jekk ma tiehux il parir proffesjonali,qatt ma inti ser tasal ghax kull ngo bidejat differenti u nergghu nghamlu 70 sena ohra sabiex niddeciedu! Il proverbju jghid li B'MITT SENA HSIEB MA TIBNIX FEJN TOQGHOD! Vera parr idejn sodi!
I Cassar
Mar 11th 2010, 10:22
For once the Chamber of Commerce has adopted a positive attitude and the fact that is has set up a committee, made of representatives of shops owners in Merchants Street and Republic Street, and incorporating the Valletta Alive Foundation to discuss ways of mitigating the effect the Renzo Piano project would have on Valletta outlets is very positive.
Valletta needs this project and Malta deserves to have a world class contemporary architectural statement. The fact that this will replace the current urban disaster in the area makes its implementation only more urgent. Get on with it.
Paul Barrett
Mar 11th 2010, 10:19
60 to 80 million - That would build and support more than reasonable accommodation for long term rehabilitation patients from the overcrowded new hospital but then I suppose it is a matter of priorities.
Andrew Cachia
Mar 11th 2010, 09:22
I can place a bet that although 60-80 milliion have been set a side, the project will cost no less that 110 million. Reminds me of a Gonzi comment some years ago when he tried to justify an over outlay in a particular project. when it was compared to a refurbishment of a flat or a house. What a small mind and how petty!
Yanes Desira
Mar 11th 2010, 08:55
Do we also especially in Birzebbuga, Marsaxlokk, and south part that we have invested much in our family business in the past, need an alternative place to work into....projects after projects hit us with big disadvantage re-tourism sector as it is proven that all industry is brought to our side. Advertising importance always given to the North part, and we are of lack of commercialism. If the goverment financially or by other means helps these people businesses may we ask to be also compensated as a part of being affected with the work to being done in the south...........one thing to state that south part is forgotten !!!! whats the use of preaching........POWERED BY MY POCKETS
Victor Laiviera
Mar 11th 2010, 08:49
Is the government really going ahead with this project despite the fact that it has been amply shown that a vast majority of the Maltese people are against it?
What mind-boggling arrogance! This is an absolute negation of democracy and all that it stands for.
k.pace
Mar 11th 2010, 19:22
I repeat Sir, democracy stems from the ballot box.
lgalea
Mar 12th 2010, 09:09
K Pace
A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine. Thomas Jefferson
Neither life, liberty, nor property of a man are sure while Parliament is meeting.
1 Tucker (N.Y. Surr.) 249 (1866)
In politics nothing is done unless first you create a channel of corruption.
Jesse Cuellar, a cynic observer of the political scene, San Antonio, Texas, 1982
We must realize that today's Establishment is the new George III.
Whether it will continue to adhere to his tactics, we do not know.
If it does, the redress, honored in tradition, is also revolution.
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, Points of Rebellion, New York: Random House, 1970
Liberty is defended in three stages:
The ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridges box.
Ambrose Bierce
Joseph A Borg
Mar 12th 2010, 12:01
what do you want? a referendum for every project?
If you don't like what the government is doing, you can show your dissent come election time, in the meantime, if you have any constructive criticism, I'd like to hear it.
J Galea
Mar 12th 2010, 13:31
surely more democratic than who decided to build the residential apartments exactly at the entrance of our capital city....very nice!