Update 2: Mepa gives City Gate projects the go-ahead
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
(Adds PN and PL statements)
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority this afternoon approved the development at City Gate, as proposed by Renzo Piano.
This includes the entrance to the city, the building of Parliament House on Freedom Square, and the 'roofless theatre' on the site of the former opera house.
The Planning Directorate recommended approval in a report presented to the Mepa board this morning when the it started its final hearing on the proposed development. The development was approved against a number of conditions, including a bank guarantee of half a million euros.
Mepa approved the development with nine votes against one with the Labour Party's representative on the board Roderick Galdes voting against. Earlier he moved a motion for the decision to be postponed but no other board member seconded the motion.
Case officer Joe Borg explained the detailed proposal and Bernand Platner, a partner at Renzo Piano's office gave an explanation of the project, which the office started working upon 20 years ago.That project had never taken off.
He said about the current proposals that the firm was very careful in its designs which included a mixture of dreams and the reality of the site.
Steel, he said, was the only new element being introduced. Mr Platner said that the garden in the ditch was not the only open space for the people but an important part of the whole project. The bridge, he said, was being reduced from 22 metres to eight.
The first objector to speak was Miriam Cremona from Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar. She insisted that the project required a traffic impact assessment and not just a statement.
The project, she said, also lacked an environmental impact assessment which case officers said was not required. Ms Cremona said that according to the Structure Plan, a new government administration centre had to be developed outside Valletta to house most government departments while Parliament and ministries had to concentrate in the palaces and auberges of Valletta.
This, she said, was the law. It was clear and concise and could not be interpreted.
Representing musicians, saxaphonist Val Valente said the country needed a proper theatre. The proposal, he said, further ruined the opera house site. The people were not consulted and 85 per cent of population wanted the theatre as it was before.
However, John Ebejer, from the Valletta Alive Foundation, said he agreed with project as it was essential for the regeneration of the capital .
The meeting, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, was attended by around 50 representatives of environment NGOs.
PN'S REACTION
In its reaction, the Nationalist party said the Renzo Piano projects would give the capital back its dignity, encourage more tourists to visit, increase commercial activity and create new jobs.
All this money would remain in the Maltese economy. In the development stages, the projects would also create jobs in different sectors.
The PN said that while Labour leader Joseph Muscat had on December 7, 2008 welcomed the plans and said they should have come years earlier, the Labour Party's representative on the board this morning voted against.
The PN said it was not the first time that the Labour Party opted to oppose the national good.
PL'S REACTION
The Labour Party said that had the government really wanted to make a national project out of the City Gate projects, it should have consulted the people. It was now clear that such consultation had never taken place.
The Prime Minister instead chose to make an ego-trip out of the project.
The PL said that the autonomy of the Mepa board had been undermined with a propaganda exercise by officials from the Transport Ministry, including a PN candidate, and the presentation to Mepa included video clips aimed at discrediting environmental organisations.
This confirmed that the Mepa board was being manipulated by the government and that the reform had died before it was born.
It was also not yet known what was the brief or original instruction given to Renzo Piano, how, when, why and how many times was the brief changed, why had it not been said before the election that Freedom Square would be developed, why had the need been felt for such a disproportionate expense for the building of a new Parliament when compared with the building of the theatre and what were the alternatives to what had been decided.
The PL said that the government had been insensitive to the publicly expressed belief of around 130 artists who spoke against a roofless theatre.
The fact that the government would go ahead with the project without the promised consultation left the PL representative without any other choice but to vote against the application, it said.
The Nationalist Party was in such a panic at the people’s reaction that it failed to see the PL’s consistent position about the project.
The PL had always been in favour of the regeneration of City Gate but insisted that this project should be the people’s and should follow wide consultation.
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James A. Tyrrell
Mar 30th 2010, 20:36
@CVella. I don't hunt.
CVella
Mar 30th 2010, 00:10
@James Tyrell.
Yes, I did think that you weren't aware of your hostility. No, I'm not struggling for an answer. As I pointed out, you need to speak to one of the 3% who don't vote. Some of them are dead, others don't read timesofmalta.com, so you'll have to shop around a bit for that. Perhaps the MTA could help.
Happy hunting.
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 29th 2010, 20:26
@CVella. I wasn't aware that I was being hostile, just truthful. Don't struggle for an answer! @Alexander Pace Gouder. Don't hold you breath waiting for an answer to the very sensible suggestions put forward by your brother. This Government doesn't listen to its people, especially when they are talking sense.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Mar 29th 2010, 17:47
Why is nobody especially maybe someone who has authority answering my Brother's (Anthony Pace Gouder) for what he is stating. Or is it that THE TRUTH HuRTS. IT SEEMS HE HAS HIT THE NAIL ON ITS HEAD.
CVella
Mar 29th 2010, 12:20
@James Tyrell
Were you always this hostile? I answered you question simply not to make things too difficult. People vote because they believe it makes a difference. Period. The people who can tell you what you want to hear are the ones who don’t vote.
You seem to have lots of ideas you feel the MTA could use. You could usefully contact them with your project plans. And, as you’re also a tourist, you’re well positioned to provide advice.
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 28th 2010, 13:02
@CVella. You still haven't answered the question but then that was to be expected, as you have no answers just silly little remarks.
In case you hadn't noticed by the way Malta is a political country. Everything, which happens in Malta, is connected in some way or other to politics. If politics are not involved then someone will soon bring them into play. Just ask Daphne.
You say the Malta Tourism Authority is always looking for new ways to promote Malta. When did they start doing that? Aren't they the very ones who have backed and indeed are backing ideas such as a marina at Hondoq and an airstrip on Gozo, which will have the effect of driving tourists away?
Joe Fenech
Mar 27th 2010, 22:40
I don't know what makes such a poor, tasteless projects so great? This is not the Piano of the Centre Pompidou for heaven's sake! Why aren't we preserving such a great Victorian jewel and asking Piano to replace the slums that litter most of Valletta's surface? YES, modern and old can mix well if done with taste. There are whole areas that can be knocked down and replaced by something worthy of top 21st architecture.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 27th 2010, 21:54
Adding further on the 1,800 square meter Footprint Area of the Theatre Site .
For all those who still believe that this site is too small , they CAN BE ASSURED that many Concert Halls , Opera Houses ,Philarmonic Auditoriums are PRACTICALLY the same Size ! After all, most OPERAS , DO NOT REQUIRE an EXTENSIVE STAGE .
BARRY would have never PLANNED such a MONUMENTAL OPERA HOUSE WITHOUT TAKING THIS FUNDAMENTAL REQUISITE INTO ACCOUNT . HE is not PIANO after all !
The Royal Opera House, in its GLORIOUS DAYS was the envy of other Established , famous Theatres. Many Old Folk say that it was PURPOUSLY BOMBED to Punish the Maltese as well as the BRITS for their resolute stand against the AXIS Powers , ITALY and GERMANY !
Have you ever heard this Dr.GONZI and GATT ?
BARRY WOULD HAVE NEVER DESIGNED SUCH A MONUMENTAL OPERA HOUSE WITHOUT TAKING THIS FUNDAMENTAL REQUISITE INTO ACCOUNT !
Mr. Bernard TAKE NOTE . Competitive my FOOT !
r.cutajar
Mar 27th 2010, 20:03
by God any body had the slightest hint/idea that MEPA could decide Otherwise ?
This should make the headlines in a century's time .
CVella
Mar 27th 2010, 17:59
@James Tyrell
I’m one of the 97% who vote, so you need to ask one of the 3% who don’t vote why they don’t do so. They’re the ones who have already decided that it doesn’t make a difference to them.
You’re only interested in Malta as a tourist, but you’re spending a good deal of your holiday time talking about matters which are political. That’s an interesting way of looking at things.. Have you tried contacting the Malta Tourism Authority? They’re always looking for new ways to promote Malta and political tourism could be a niche market. I look forward to hearing your views.
Gorge Bajada
Mar 27th 2010, 17:53
The bombs have won the day as the maltese people are not able to re-build what once destroyed by war in the past.
I have nothing against in regenerating the city but not with what's been proposed on the 'open-air public place for outdoor performances' as Mr Piano is calling it, instead of Teatru Rjal that once was.
Dr Gonzi and Mr Piano should back-off the ruin site. The arrogant government will not have a public consoltation or a referendum about it because knows he's the loser.
This undemocratic proposal on the ruin site is an embarrassment and an insult to any artistic ability. Can not see the aesthetic about it. With all his expertise I'm sure Mr Piano can do better than this. Money spend on parliament house instead of Teatru Rjal.
I find nothing artistic about installing a few poles around the ruins. What is the purpose? Any builder in Malta can do that. It's still roofless to me. It's like renovating the ruins to look like ruins, what's the point?
A reminder of war, authority and politics winning over art and culture.
BACK-OFF THE THEATRE SITE
S. Mallia
Mar 27th 2010, 17:06
Has is occurred to anyone yet (or until now) that an open roof theater will face a major problem of "disturbance" from nearby pedestrians outside the theater?
Or are they willing to employ ushers outside the venue to "shhhh" the passer by during an act or play?(S Mallia Valletta)
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 27th 2010, 15:41
There Mr. Bernard Plattner, Renzo Piano's Collegue , Partner whatever , was reported saying "" one has to be out of one's mind to even consider the possibbility to build a competitive opera house on a footprint of 600 to 800 square meters "
Unbelievable how 1000 square meters have been lost all along , by this World Reputed firm !
Here I ask Mr. PLATTNER , RENZO and his Team including the Maltese involved who are KEEPING A VERY LOW PROFILE ,
WHERE DID YOU GET THESE FIGURES FROM ? no CHECKING ?
You have been repeating , ad nausea , that the Opera House Site is TOO SMALL ! You are then either INCOMPETENT or trying TO DECEIVE ! ---FOR THE FOOTPRINT area is ACTUALLY Circa . > ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SQ. METERS .... ( 30 m Wide X 60 m Long) and NOT JUST EIGHT HUNDRED ! One can even MEASURE this on GOOGLE EARTH .
I recommend Mr. Plattner to get hold of a measuring tape and check for himself !
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 27th 2010, 13:53
@CVella. Actually you didn't answer my question at all. I didn't ask you for the voting numbers in Malta, I asked you what difference having a vote makes? People voted Gonzi PN into Government because they wanted the best for their country, at least that is what I would assume. As is normal before an election all sorts of promises were made to the electorate but now they are being kicked where it hurts and told that the Government will do whatever it wants and to hell with what they think.
You ask me what attracts me to Maltese political life and the answer to that is nothing. I have no interest whatsoever in the political life of any country let alone Malta. What I do have an interest in however is the future of Malta and in particular Gozo as a tourist destination. We have just read a report today stating that a third of Malta’s residential buildings that’s 50,000 are permanently vacant and 4,000 development permits more than necessary were issued in 2008 alone. Is this what you call good Government?
simon cutajar
Mar 27th 2010, 08:39
Oh what a surprise !
CVella
Mar 26th 2010, 19:03
@Marisa Bugeja
Maybe you missed James Tyrell's earlier question: "However perhaps you would be kind enough to point out to me exactly what difference having a vote would make in a country like Malta?" I didn't miss it. So I paid him the courtesy of replying. What would you have done?
CVella
Mar 26th 2010, 17:03
@James Tyrell:
At least 97% of the population vote, so you’d have to ask the other 3% why they don’t. It’s intriguing that a tourist takes so much interest in Malta’s political life. What attracts you to it?
Marisa Bugeja
Mar 26th 2010, 17:30
I think you should stop bullying this gentleman, whoever he is. He is a guest in our country and as such is entitled to our courtesy. Whatever his opinion he has a right to express it just like all the people in this blog. Let us not lose our heads and criticise constructively please
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 26th 2010, 15:17
A City built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen .
Dr. Gonzi's style in FABRICATING , HANDLING and DEALING of this Project , absolutely does not make him a Gentleman .
Never thought that just a few Years at the Helm of a Nation , would RENDER a Person so Stubborn and relentless .
Unfortunately , he has become OBSESSED with the Project ,and has a blind faith in the Maestro RP .
Joe Zahra
Mar 26th 2010, 13:09
I have just read the Times and saw the photo-montage of the proposed city gate and parliament building. I think it's a disgrace that this old proud city is going to be turned into a concrete jungle, the building has nothing in common with the architecture of Valletta and is totally in contrast to all the other magnificent buildings in the area. I'm sure the Knights will be turning in their graves. Whoever thought this was a good idea to give the go-ahead should be ashamed to call themselves Maltese.
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 26th 2010, 12:58
@CVella. As a tourist I don't think I have a vote, no. However perhaps you would be kind enough to point out to me exactly what difference having a vote would make in a country like Malta? If I was one of those people with a vote there is a very good chance that I could have cast that vote in favour of a PN Government and to be honest I would find that very hard to live with given the fact that the Government in question having obtained that vote have now spat in my face and walked away.
Gonzi has decided that he is going to build a new Parliament building for his Government to use on those few occasions when they need it. In this time of recession he is spending at least 100 million Euros to achieve that. I say at least 100 million because we all know it will come in over estimate. To appease the faithful they have been thrown the scrap of a theatre, albeit without a roof as the bulk of the money is going to the Parliament. The faithful accept this and crawl back to their basket. Democracy in action!
CVella
Mar 26th 2010, 12:23
@James Tyrell
Do you have a vote or has someone bought it off you? In the latter case, you could file a police report.
Paul Mangion
Mar 26th 2010, 12:05
Fejn qatt rajna daqshekk xoghol isir gewwa l-belt. restawr ta' swar, restawr ta' faccati ( fosthom Kastilja, il-palazz, bibjoteka nazzjonali u hafna ohrajn) pavimentar ta' toroq, Progett tal-forti Sant' Iermu. Il-pont tal break water. Imma kif tgergru biss tafu hafna minnkom. Issa sa jkollna progett li jaghmel unur il-beltna.
Meta jkollna putirjal u d-dahla tal belt lesti sa jkollna progett li jaghmlilna unur. Suggeriment wiehed biss nixtieq naghmel li waqt li jkun qed isir ix-xoghol tigi mnaddfa il-faccata ta Fransia. Faccata sabiha li zgur tikkumplimenta ma dan il-progett.
Grazzi ghax fl-ahhar il-belt qed tiehu dak li jixirqilha u mhux paroli biss.
Neil Bugeja
Mar 26th 2010, 12:01
Can we have 15 days cooling off period pl?
RGatt
Mar 26th 2010, 09:48
Igalea wrote, 'Another one could be put up on the entrance to the parliament on stilts "WELCOME TO RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM AND BAILEY'S CIRCUS".
Perhaps "IL-GRANDE CIRCO DI MOIRA ORFEI" would also be suitable and closer to home.' Are you by any chance writing about PL's glass house.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE, PL (or is it PLE) voted LE.
I humbly ask Mr. Valente and others who have been giving us percentages against (70%, 75%, 80%, 85%.............................looks like an auction here) were they got their results from. And I do expect an answer!!!
J Baldacchino
Mar 26th 2010, 08:43
Dan huwa kaz iehor fejn is-Suppervja u l-Arroganza rebhet fuq kollox!!!
g.c.Forte
Mar 26th 2010, 08:41
Issa sew, ser ikollna l- Belt minghajr bieb. Ghal l-anqas il Pont ghamluh jitla, sabiex jekk nigu attakkati mil furbani, kemm nghallu l-pont. Issa imbilli qeghdin innewhu, mhux ovja kienet. Mela R-RAS iebsa xi darba ser tirtab. Issa inhallu lil l-uliedna jiggudikaw, bhal ma ahna illum qeghdin nigudikaw il garaxx li ghamlu fis sittin. Pero nixtieq inkun naf kif meta ikun lest kollox, kif ser jiggenera impjiegi godda. u kif ser jidhlu it trakkijiet tax xoghol, biex iqassmu il prodott . Per ezempju " tac cilindri tal gas " jew " tax-xorb u minerali ".
I Cassar
Mar 26th 2010, 08:22
It's a great day for Malta and for Valletta. I don't know where V Valente got his 85% figure from, probably he surveyed FAA aficionados.
The phrase “A city built by gentlemen for gentlemen” was coined over a hundred years ago. Don't you all well thinking, architecture and theater experts, think it is high time Malta moved on. So please stop trowing it back to us it's becoming annoying.
I am Maltese and it is not prestigious in my cultural context to be considered a gentlemen. I would rather be an open-minded Malti of the 21st century.
G. Cutajar
Mar 26th 2010, 05:09
S'issa ghadu hadd ma semma il-famuza kelma commissions.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 26th 2010, 02:11
Apparently , the approval of this project unveiled some outstanding REFORMS at MEPA , never witnessed or heard of until this morning's historical Session at MCC.
The most remarkable is that as from to-day Applicants may :- 1) apply to Build on any an Existing Square . 2) Steel and Glass structures shall be ALLOWED in close proximity to Historical , Boroque buildings such as Auberges, Churches or Chapels. 3) Facades in Historical and Picturesque Localities may not be finshed in Franca Masonry. 4) Bastions , may be slashed wide open ,and if necessary gate structures removed completely to give an AMPLE VIEW and pronounce what lies beyond the Walls . 4) A TOTAL ELIMINATION OF a vital ACCESS ROAD, with some reservations and depending on the locality , will be considered 5) Scarred , cut open tracts on Fortifications may be covered up ,CLAD in any type of Metallic Sheeting material, except Gold and Silver finish 6) Ultra Modern Purpose Built structures will not require any elevation detail drawings, especially when the Architect is of high repute .
THAT would be ENOUGH for to-day ! Good Night to all .
Alfred Grima
Mar 26th 2010, 00:44
The Maltese deserve worst than this. DAK LI TIZRA TAHSAD.No more no less.
Jonathan Paul Cuschieri
Mar 25th 2010, 23:56
What has become of democracy in this country? How much longer shall we, the people, allow ourselves to be pressured and ignored by decisions taken by a handful of individuals who care not for what we think? Our only reality is that we are left alone with a dictatorial and arrogant government and a toothless opposition.
All we have been given is 5-year minimum phases of absolute dictatorial rule, be it by one political faction or another. Any new movement is immediately wiped out by a malicious and prejudiced media, an apathetic electorate, and a system whereby it is only the established parties that stand a chance of being successfully elected.
We have been betrayed. We have no real alternatives. And yet, only we can change this. We need some real leaders, with real ideas, sustainable policies, and above all a sense of duty and respect towards the electorate they are SUPPOSED to represent.
And what about all the treaties and conventions which are intended to promote citizens' rights and public consultation? Where is our voice? Where is the EU? All we have is a renegade authority and a renegade parliament!!!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 25th 2010, 23:54
@ J Camilleri ---------Its good to note what you said "we would have had no Funds for this Project and many others"'.
Having said this , you seem to have some knowledge as to how this project will be funded . Do you believe, that NOT A SINGLE CENT was Voted in the last Budget ! The PM never released any concrete information how it will be financed either ( top secret) and nothing regarding how the Project will be phased.
This project is riddled with UNKNOWNS ! Most probably the Parliament Building (Gonzi's baby) will get Priority ? Still a Total Mystery ! Can anyone please tell us ! This is typical of a Third World Country ruled by a DESPOT ! what a SHAME .
@ tony Abela ---------That Bank Garantee of Eu 500,000 . DITTO-ditto to above ..... or ask Min. T Fenech . IL-KARUS f-idejh ! He would / should know .
Do 'nt be surprised that at the end of the day , Dr.Gonzi himself declares how ECOnomically WISE they have been , with thousands of Euro saved on having no Roofing , Conserving the Ruins , a flimsy VENUE , and a no-GATE !
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 25th 2010, 23:34
@ J Camilleri ---------Its good to note what you said "we would have had no Funds for this Project and many others"'.
Having said this , you seem to have some knowledge as to how this project will be funded . Do you believe, that NOT A SINGLE CENT was Voted in the last Budget ! The PM never released any concrete information how it will be financed either ( top secret) and nothing regarding how the Project will be phased.
This project is riddled with UNKNOWNS ! Most probably the Parliament Building (Gonzi's baby) will get Priority ? Still a Total Mystery ! Can anyone please tell us ! This is typical of a Third World Country ruled by a DESPOT ! what a SHAME .
@ tony Abela ---------That Bank Garantee of Eu 500,000 . DITTO-ditto to above ..... or ask Min. T Fenech . IL-KARUS f-idejh ! He would / should know .
Do 'nt be surprised that at the end of the day , Dr.Gonzi himself declares how ECOnomically WISE they have been , with thousands of Euro saved on having no Roofing , Conserving the Ruins , a flimsy VENUE , and a no-GATE !
alexander pace gouder
Mar 25th 2010, 23:28
@ Graham Crocker Dear Sir, Charmaine Abela has answered your question to myself and my brother. A survey was effected by the Times and this gave 81% against. For myself i have been discussing this subject that is mainly The Roofless Opera House as I have no interest in Politics on this subject and a Private Survey effected over the past 5 months all over Malta and Gozo a sample of approx. 25 people from every Town and Village in Malta & Gozo gave confirmation of 75% against . I am positive that if the Government did or does such a survey it will arrive at the same percantage. (and rest assured that the Government does know this but it seems they wanted their way. What a Pity.)You may find the time and effect one yourself and you will end up with same percentage if not more ,that is why the 81%plus. Regards.
s.scerri
Mar 25th 2010, 22:50
To you all who are against the project....... does it mean to you that an open space filled up with parked cars being turned into an open space for people will be a great loss????? Where were you all when Mintoff demolished the bastions near the MCC ????? Are you against any development of that area? Besides the approved project no one (JM included) came out with an alternative........ As usual you know all....... think you are better then the Minister involved,the Prime Minister, world renown Renzo Piano and Associates. insomma to think one is a better one he must surely be a PL supporter. Ever tried to leave specific jobs to specialized people. As that which regards dictatorship why don't you meditate of how and who changed a political party's statute, logo, administration and so forth...... had you the guts to air your views in these matters.......sure not. Under a PN administration you can protest and oppose. In the PL's sphere you cannot alas you can but at your own expenses..... Don't try and oppose in the PL recall Mintoff, Abela, Spiteri just to mention some
CVella
Mar 25th 2010, 22:40
@Igalea
Or we could have Igalea marching around in a sandwich board and megaphone declaring that the end is nigh.
Mark Lombardo
Mar 25th 2010, 22:00
The same people who are today voicing their opinion against this great project by Renzo Piano will one day either feel ashamed or regret that they were not part of this project. Same as they did when they preferred to remain outside the European Union. For goodness sake, let's stop this "No" nonsense to everything. Is this the "new political season" they promised us?
Let us look at the whole project of our capital city holistically - the palace, the squares, the gardens. the restoration of the auberges, churches and the bastions, St James Cavalier, the Med Conference Centre, etc....This is not just about a theatre....it is about enlivening our capital city.
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 25th 2010, 21:45
Of course they passed it. Did anyone ever think that they wouldn't? I mean the only ones against it are according to the papers the Majority of Maltese people and what do they matter to Gonzi PN? The only time the people’s concerns matter to the Government is when they want your vote. After that as you have seen with this stupid charade you can all go to hell.
bernard vella
Mar 25th 2010, 21:23
and by the way...now when the great day comes that joe muscat is elected prime minister...all he has to do is put up his sleeves(careful not to lose da cufflings) and build up a roof on the theatre....all this worrying about the missing roof....mamma mia...he could also take his camping gear and spend some nights at the royal opera site...before he secures it with a solid roof...so for once in your life look positively at things...you can always say you camped in a royal opera house...8)))))
Anthony BOrg
Mar 25th 2010, 21:13
“Today, March 25th, 2010 - a date which will live in infamy” (with apologies to the late Franklin D. Roosevelt ) in the annals of modern Maltese history, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority approved the development at City Gate and affiliated projects as proposed by Renzo Piano, against the wishes of the majority of Maltese people.
A black, commemorative plaque should be erected at City Gate, “lest we forget”.
john attard
Mar 25th 2010, 20:54
rename the title on this article to:
Thursday, 25th March 2010 - 11:22CET
DEMOCRACY DIED
Joseph Ellis
Mar 25th 2010, 20:21
While Mr John Ebejer is now talking about a wide range of cultural activities that will be held at the Royal Opera House site, last year he was playing a different tune and he was justifying the building of parliament on the ROH site. This was before Renzo Piano decided that it would be a sacrilege to build parliament on the ruins of ROH and forced government (i.e Lawrence Gonzi and Austin Gatt) to change its mind.. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090201/opinion/a-time-for-decisiveness It seems that some people never find fault with whatever the government proposes ! Perhaps someone should inform us whether the idea of having an open air theatre was Mr Piano's or whether the government forced it on him because it did not want to finance a full fledged theatre which was promised by the PN in countless electoral manifestoes.
b.vella
Mar 25th 2010, 20:20
the pl or mlp or whatever name had 16 years of govt to do this project...and a further 2 ''''glorious'''' years, (two very busy years with hundreds of projects being started and completed on time, schedule and according to budget...for example the bugibba railing(now rusty) national project, and the .....project....and the .......project....and so on and so forth) cant really remember them all right now....so many they were...however now in opposition they seem really keen on critcising the numerous pn projects...infact PL or mlp is all the time criticising the govt for not respecting the completion date....going over budget...fair enough cause PN really did alot of projects....all PL is capable to do is criticise and bla bla bla and we also got the proof that once in govt they travel at the pace of ants(with all due respect to ants)...once joe muscat is in govt we can only expect some railing in the first two years....like his mentor managed to do after all...and ending with a cheerful note his political career with a delightful NO REGRETS....il hmar taqtalu denbu hmar jibqa...(pl = mlp minghajr denb)
Charles Massa
Mar 25th 2010, 20:03
Ghal hekk ghandom flus. Ahjar irrangaw it toroq u rahsu l kontijiet ta dawl u ilma. Progett hela ta flus il poplu
Joe Busuttil
Mar 25th 2010, 20:03
And to think that a few months ago UNESCO was going to downgrade Valleta because of the view from Valletta to Tigne. What will UNESCO say now ? Will it declare us the New Mickey Mouse state? Do the Mepa board get cross eyed when approving certain projects? I think so. Well,I guess that leaves it to our grandchildren to knock down this wound to our city like the present Gonzi is knocking down the former monstrosity put up at City Gate by another PN P.Minister. Gonzi,I guess you have committed political mistake and if you notice your apologists are getting fewer and fewer. And they sound desperate too.
Charmaine Abela
Mar 25th 2010, 19:53
@Graham Crocker I strongly believe that if a referendum would take place regarding this controversial project, the results would indeed be over 50% against the project. Times of Malta survey had scored 81% against and only 13% were in favour. So 5% wouldn't make a difference! I think the government is acting like a horse with blinkers and is immune to what the maltese people feel about the subject. Insomma not only this subject but many others - it's always the same story unfortunately.
James Grima
Mar 25th 2010, 19:42
@Dr. Gonzi. Kompli miexi dritt, u taghtix kas min qied jattakkak, huma min huma, ghax kulhadd jaf li jamlu parti mill PL. People like it or not, this project is a monument built by our beloved government to the Maltese people, and you will all see dear elves that PL will lose the next election, u jghib mix xena politika :)
John O'Dea
Mar 25th 2010, 19:10
Thank God they've finally put a lid on whether or not to put a lid on the old opera house.
apgrech
Mar 25th 2010, 19:10
Once a stupid decision was taken to destroy the City Gate which they replaced with a primitive looking "Gate". Now another stupid decision has been taken to build the new "Theatre" to the design of Enzo Piano who is more known for his modern design.
The Theatre should have been built to its original design. Many generations will curse the decision taken by this goverment and the PM and those involved should be given a PhD in stupidity.
Our City is being destroyed by those who were supposed to protect it.
Shame on you Gonzi and the rest.
J Abela
Mar 25th 2010, 19:10
Is it possible that no one grasped the idea of an OPEN air theatre? What Renzo Piano is proposing is not a Royal theatre without a roof or a national theatre without a roof. He is proposing an open air piazza that can be transformed into and open air theatre. Open, meaning it is open to the elements. That is the concept of an open air theatre. I mean come on, is it possible that you've never been to or seen a high quality open air theatre abroad? Is it possible that you are so ill travelled?
JJ Creg
Mar 25th 2010, 23:46
Don't forget that Valletta is also a residential area and many live close by to the theatre.
J.Camilleri
Mar 25th 2010, 19:08
This is a disgrace, public consultation!! Everyone gets to make their point and then have a board of experts make an informed decision!!! The result could go either way, the government's side or the other, in this case the former was judged as doable.
This would have never happened under a Labour Government, no one would have influenced the MEPA board, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO MEPA, NO COMMISSION FOR INJUSTICES AND NO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT EITHER (for a span of time).
Labour has always been complaining against any project these last 20 years, if it were upto them we would have no Power Station at Delimara, no Airport, no competition in telecommunications, no competitio at all for that matter and yes, we would have no funds to do this and many other projects. For do not forget, if we heeded the current Labour leader's advice, we would have remained an Island no EU and no EU funds.
Just look at t this way, in twenty years' time Labour would realise they were wrong and admit that this was in fact a good project. Just as they did with local councils and any other issue that put our country where it stands.
Adrian Borg Cardona
Mar 25th 2010, 19:07
I wish to express my total and utter disgust at the Transport Ministry official - also a NP candidate - who saw fit to attack NGOs during the hearing. This shows that these people will use any means at their disposal to attack the critics. Shame on them, shame on MePA for allowing these things to ahppen. The meeting this morning was a shame and those responsible should be ashamed of themselves.
C.Sammut
Mar 25th 2010, 18:50
Sad day indeed. Whilst I am sure we will all get used to the new structure, Malta is still to remain without its proper pride of a national theatre within the folds of the capital city.
alexander pace gouder
Mar 25th 2010, 18:48
Year 2013 - Maybe!!!!!!!!!!!!! Inauguration . Dr.Gonzi uncovers plaque: To his surprise words on Plaque read: Today we are inaugurating a project against the will of more then 65 - 75% of the Maltese and Gozitian population.
Anthony Mizzi
Mar 25th 2010, 18:41
Does one get the feeling tht the decision is taken before theoard convenes to evaluate and consider what is truly valid, away from Political interference?
MEPA Board or just clones who rubbers stamp and will never bite the hand that ...pays there fee as Board Members?
Why always a Block Vote, where is the healthy discussion such a project would stimulate if it wasn't on this Mickey Mouse Land in the Mediteranean ?
Kenneth Zammit Tabona
Mar 25th 2010, 18:34
Whoa! Hold your horses please.
The battle was well fought but it has been lost. The odds were tremendous and I was convinced that when push came to shove my arguments would be binned along with everyone else's. The project was clearly destined to carry on willynilly. I opposed it from Day One to this juncture as a matter of principle with the most logical of arguments.
Please do not politicise the issue. This is a national issue not a Nationalist or Labour one. Art transcends politics; at least it does in civilised countries.
I am sure that there is still a glimmer of hope and good sense will prevail.
Anthony Debono
Mar 25th 2010, 23:03
"good sense"? What sense?
Not from the politicians, for sure!
Marisa Bugeja
Mar 26th 2010, 10:11
I wish I shared your optimism. At least we had hope before this project but now...? What else can be done to save the Royal Opera House?
A. E. Abela
Mar 25th 2010, 18:25
SINGING IN THE RAIN the musical
to be featured regularly during the winter season under natural effects and conditions.
Venue: the ROOFLESS THEATER City Gate Valletta.
Book now to avoid disappointment!
FREE Raincoats and umbrellas will be available at the door.
JJ Creg
Mar 26th 2010, 00:13
That reminds me of a children rhyme 'Rain, Rain, Go Away'. This is a special song for those who supported the open air theatre and are caught in the rain, inside the theatre:
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day,
Rain, rain, go away,
Today GonziPN wants to play
laurence schembri
Mar 25th 2010, 18:18
A good example of a reformed MEPA, a Lame Duck Farm, whatever the farmer quacks, the herd follows.
To think of it, our taxes are keeping this expensive farm to flourish. What a shameful way to run a business.
Patrick Refalo
Mar 25th 2010, 18:16
Finally let's go Ahead with the Project!!
Rocco Cauchi
Mar 25th 2010, 18:07
A gateless Gate, a roofless Theatre and a baseless house of Parliament?
Wow ... it plainly bears all the elements of deficiency, to cubic power.
alexander pace gouder.
Mar 25th 2010, 17:48
@ C.Vella. Check under whoes ministry fall MEPA and you get the answer. For info of all I wish that this subject has not turned so political. That is why in this in THIS ART HELWA we are getting nowhere. We are split in two and that is the main aim (maybe) of our ALL 69 Reps.in Parlament so that they all gain and poor us mainly Middleclass jest keep getting bulldozed. Tridu inkomplu hekk.Mela komplu paxxu lil Politici taghna u jigrina bhal Mepa. YES MAN.
Phil Humphries
Mar 25th 2010, 17:35
This is a public disservice, a national disgrace and an object lesson in how to snatch electoral defeat from the jaws of victory. ( The eyesore they have commissioned will ensure that ). Gonzi, Gatt and Co must hope that this project is completed before the next election, otherwise they will be admiring their creation from its opposition benches, and serve them right. Rather than remembering its achievements, history will recall that GonziPN ignored the public once too often, shot itself in the foot and handed power to Labour all wrapped up in a new parliament building.
tony abela
Mar 25th 2010, 17:26
"The development was approved against a number of conditions, including a bank guarantee of half a million euros." Who is putting the Bank Gaurantee??? Is this project not a Government one? Therefore I assume that we as citizens are putting the Bank Gaurantee for just in case some Politician or Civil Servant falls back on the project or brake one of the so called number of conditions. I am sure that nobody from the Government is going draw the Bank Gaurantee against his personal wealth.
Paul Mangion
Mar 25th 2010, 17:22
Hey. Dont you think everyone is against. if you do you are completly mistaken. most of the people i know are in favour. LETS GO FOR IT. VALLETTA REALLY NEEDS IT. @Anthony Pace Gouder. I really hope you stand to your word. I WILL DEFINATELY BOYCOTT ENTERING THE CITY . We really dont need you and either want you entering the city. PROSIT NIFRAHLEK.
Joseph Cauchi
Mar 25th 2010, 17:21
At long last, Malta is going to have a Capital City that it would be the envy of the whole world, now that it will have the “trade mark” of Renzo Piano! Valletta is now really a city built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen! JC.
Paul Mangion
Mar 25th 2010, 17:06
Hey. Dont you think everyone is against. if you do you are completly mistaken. most of the people i know are in favour. LETS GO FOR IT. VALLETTA REALLY NEEDS IT.
Lawrence Fenech
Mar 25th 2010, 16:56
Prosit MEPA ta fjask iehor. Intkhom bqjtu torox ghal-poplu Malti.
Anthony M. Brincat
Mar 25th 2010, 16:55
Yes Prime Minister go ahead with the project. At last we will have a decent entrance to Valletta. This will do away with the hawkers, the bill-boards, the car park and all the other ugly things. Yes we need a Parliament House like all other cities and not something like a modern cinema hall in a baroque palace. And I agree with the open air theatre since we don't have one. My best operatic or concert experiences have always been those held in one of our squares at Mdina, Valletta, Fort Manoel, the Luxol Grounds or the Granaries and abroad at the Caracalla, Hyde Park or Verona. Even the Three Tenors or Luciano Pavarotti together with other singers used to perform in stadiums or big squares. To those that still want to see the old (Barry's) opera house rebuilt, how many times have the experts to tell us that the site is too small for a decent opera house. I remember my father, who was an ardent opera enthusiast and every week-end attended the performances there, telling us that the acoustics were not really very good and that from some boxes at the sides one could hardly hear the singers.
CVella
Mar 25th 2010, 16:41
@Alexander Pace Gouder
It was the MEPA board that took the decision.
Joseph Grech
Mar 25th 2010, 16:40
This rubber-stamping by Mepa to something the administration wanted was to be expected. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will go down in the history books as the man who practically single-handedly pushed this project forward notwithstanding the loud objections by most of the Maltese people.
He wanted to build a new Parliament and he ruined one of Valletta's remaining open squares to do that; he has gone ahead with the roofless mini open theatre despite the protestations of so many.
Sadly our P.M. has shown that he is hard-headed. Moreover he has acted rather dictatorially in this issue.
Renzo Piano would certainly have produced a better project had he not been hamstrung by the ludicrous brief that the P.M. gave hime - to build a theatre...and a Parliamentary Building. Valletta has been dealt two serious blows.
O.Zammit
Mar 25th 2010, 16:40
YES MEN!!
CVella
Mar 25th 2010, 16:40
@Anthony Pace Gouder
Many people currently boycott the use of city gate for the reasons you mention. I don't imagine that you're one of them. You many feel very strongly about the new design but you will probably change your mind. You'll need to go there at least once. Who knows? You might like it and will go there again and again.
Victor Laiviera
Mar 25th 2010, 16:35
@Mr Antoine Vella
You see nothing incongruous in complaining of "ridiculous slogans" and, in the same post, refer to those who disagree with you as "elves"?
Secondly, if you have to use wisecracks invented by others (as you can't think of your own), at least get it right; it's "Li'l elves" not "Lil'Elves".
A.Pace
Mar 25th 2010, 16:33
So the roofless theatre is going to materialise after all after the blessing of Mepa, As if we had any doubts. What's the use of protesting in this island. I felt pity for those NGO"S present today. All a waste of time. Today is going to be remembered as a black day for Valletta and Malta. We had waited for the theatre for 65 years and what did we get....a roofless open space and a useless parliament. Thanks Prime Miinster. You will be remembered alright.
Michael Catania
Mar 25th 2010, 16:33
Shame on the conservatives for not having the guts to retract from this useless and utterly unnecessary project. Are we soon to see Gonzi and Gatt strutting around Valletta admiring their work like some unmentionables of the not so distant past. Seeing how the present entrance came about, people see one huge failure erected by conservatives soon to be replaced by one worst by any standard of imagination. Above all how can we afford this waste when the Maltese treasury has not even the money to pay all those public servants and has to wait till more taxes are collected to even pay re-funds.
Ron Saliba
Mar 25th 2010, 16:33
I bet most of the people here never went in a theater in their whole lives. They are against the open theater , cos the ones who came up with the project is the PN and not the LP.
Sharon Grech
Mar 25th 2010, 16:31
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Adrian Borg Cardona
Mar 25th 2010, 16:26
What a sad day for Malta! Valletta will be ruined forever. The once world renowned baroque city will no longer be called so. World Heritage Status is now threatened. Entrance to Valletta will be through a crack between two rocks. The new Parliament will look outdated and ridiculous in 20 years time. As for the open sapce/roofless theatre, this part of the project goes against the aspirations of the Maltese to have a national theatre where it really belongs. Shame. And all this for the edification of one man alone.
lgalea
Mar 25th 2010, 16:22
Piano's designs are totally UNSUITABLE for a capital city built by gentlemen for gentlemen. Piano will long be remembered as the JUDAS who for money betrayed the Maltese people and their heritage and VANDALIZED our capital city with his project.
Honest true Maltese citizens and Valletta residents should put up a sign on Valetta's new entrance "AVE NERO, URBS QUAM INCENDISTI TE SALUTAT".
Another one could be put up on the entrance to the parliament on stilts "WELCOME TO RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM AND BAILEY'S CIRCUS".
Perhaps "IL-GRANDE CIRCO DI MOIRA ORFEI" would also be suitable and closer to home.
Any suggestions for the roofless theatre sign? Perhaps an endless singing of the slaves chorus in Aida or the devils chorus from Mefistofele coming from the roofless theatre would be enough, but a sign would also be appropriate.
P.Cassar
Mar 25th 2010, 16:21
PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE IS MUCH WORSE THAN PHYSICAL VIOLENCE.
RAMMING AN UNDISIREABLE PROJECT DOWN A NATION'S THROAT AS DEEP AS POSSIBLE THAT IS PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE.
Govt. showed from the start that it was wholly for the project. That made it impossible for HIS APPOINTEES TO VOTE AGAINST???? In fact only the PL vote was against!!!
GOVT BY DICTAT.
ENJOY POOR MALTA BUT DO NOT FORGET
Anthony Pace Gouder
Mar 25th 2010, 16:20
Mr. John Ebejer's theory that this project is essential to regenerate the Capital is counter productive ! The great majority ,80% plus, have shown there disapproval of this FOLLY and will rather stay away from this SMEARED AREA of Valletta . I WILL DEFINATELY BOYCOTT entering the CITY .
Mepa's credibility stands at ZERO !
Ron Saliba
Mar 25th 2010, 16:36
Feel free to do whatever you want.. Its a free country
Graham Crocker
Mar 25th 2010, 16:49
Who is right Alexander Pace Gouder or Anthony Pace Gouder?
is it 75% or 80+% who are against it?
Where are these studies you are quoting? Who made/funded this study?
Antoine Vella
Mar 25th 2010, 16:18
Lil'Elves are sadly mistaken if they think that their insults are going to get them anywhere. They do not realise perhaps how ridiculous their anti-Mepa and anti-government slogans sound to the rest of us.
Spiteri J
Mar 25th 2010, 16:13
It has finally been decided! At last we're going to rebuilt a very important area in Valletta which has been extremely shabby (to say the least) for years. I like the Renzo Piano's plans so well done to all concerned. Now stop moaning and let's move on.
Steve Compagno
Mar 25th 2010, 16:10
Ahh well! Guess I'll be taking my umbrella to avoid being wet with rain, bombarded with pigeon love and wind...But why do I need to worry? I'm just an idiotic citizen who has no right to give my opinion and to be listened to and consulted by the local authorities. To all of those who are hailing Gonzi Gonzi and those who are making Joseph sound like a saviour: this is not a political subject! This is a national decision that should've been consulted with the general public. Don't you guys remember how the public was given the chance to vote for his preference of the image on the Euro coins? Same thing should've have been done: bring out a few proposals, let the people choose via a website using their I.D numbers as their passwords! But of course...we're only useful when they need us: election time!!!!
Denis Attard
Mar 25th 2010, 16:00
Environmental Impact Assessment for City Gate???????????????????
Anything would be better than the shambles we have at present.
FAA.....tindahlux fejn ma jesghakomx!
Gino Agius
Mar 25th 2010, 15:54
@jaafarrugia
dont speak on behalf of the public because you do not represent the people..i for one like the plans so you already lost the argument
jafarrugia
Mar 25th 2010, 16:22
Well i guess there's a few other people with bad taste, maybe Piano needs some help in Paris. Busy after April Gino??
R. Caruana
Mar 25th 2010, 15:52
About time! Let's get on with it, shall we? And stop close to 70 years of bickering and tinkering.
"85 per cent of population wanted the theatre as it was before." How did this figure come about? Was some sort of referendum which I know nothing about held recently? If so, I pity 85 percent of the Maltese for wanting a Neo-Classical monstrosity like Barry's opera house at the entrance of Valletta. So knowledgeable was this architect that he never visited the Island, and made a blunder when designing it as he did not know that it was on an incline!
Alexander Pace Gouder
Mar 25th 2010, 15:49
A Meeting Held for nothing. Everthing was already a "YES" Poor NGOs. As usual it is the Government who decides. We have no word any more. Bye Bye to us all. all the 75% of Maltese who did not accept this Theatre as Val Valente said.
Ray C Zammit
Mar 25th 2010, 15:39
Others before me have already amply explained that the correct expression is 'open-air' theatre. The expression 'roofless' theatre is nothing more than a deliberate artificial fabrication and a misnomer. The word theatre derives from classical Greece when theatres were all 'roofless'. Many open-air theatres are prime cultural sites in various parts of the world; I still treasure an unforgettable experience watching the opera La Boheme at the Arena di Verona. An open-air venue dating from Roman times, now transformed into a 'roofless' theatre.
Karen Zammit Manduca
Mar 25th 2010, 15:35
Now hands up those who guessed what the outcome would be!!!!
(....and for those who didn't guess - you must have missed some of the finer details.)
Joseph Busutill
Mar 25th 2010, 15:29
tal-misthija...il labour juri bic-car kemm huwa kontra l-izvilupp ta pajjizna u r-regenerazzjoni tal-Belt....il-vera muscat qed juri minnhu...jiena inhossni tradut mill-PL bhala Malti li nhobb il-Belt li wara dawn is-snin kollha kien ha jsir progett il-labour huwa kontra...
A. Vassallo
Mar 25th 2010, 15:26
At long last! After 65 years, the Royal Theatre site is going to be rehabilitated. And after a bit less than 30 years the entrance to our Valletta will also be rehabilitated and that ugly car park called Freedom Square will not be seen anymore. And that awful faced where Burger King is located will also be incorporated with the new surroundings.
This is also a "Vision 2015". Thanks to GonziPN
Alex Vella
Mar 25th 2010, 15:24
jidher bic-car li joe muscat huwa l-istudent ta alfred sant..it training tieghu gabu bhala gurnalist mas-super one u ghalhekk tghallem jghid le ghal kollox..anke ghal progrett bhal dan ta istruzzjonijiet lil roderick galdes biex jivvota kontra...muscat huwa l-prodott ta sant u ghalhekk xejn ma nbidel
Sara Spiteri
Mar 25th 2010, 15:21
if it were for labour we would have no project...they just criticise and vote against...dr muscat your mask fell long ago...
Lisa Cauchi
Mar 25th 2010, 15:20
...il-vera jilghab ghal gallarija joe muscat..issa haregt li l-labour hua kontra progett nazzjonali...juri bic-car li joe muscat mhuwa xejn ahjar minn ta qablu hu zamm mat tradizzjoni tal partit tal-LE....
NOEL DARMANIN
Mar 25th 2010, 15:16
MA NAFX GHALFEJN TEZISTI L MEPA META L PRIM MINISTRU DIL GIMGHA QAL LI DIGA DDECIEDA FUQ L PROGETT. ISSA HBIEB KULL MIN IKUN SEJJER JARA XI ATTIVITA GO DAN LI SPECIAL TEATRU,MA JINSIEX JIEHU UMBRELLA MIEGHU. MSOMMA ONLY IN MALTA !!!!!!!
Mick (Cut to the chase) Quinn
Mar 25th 2010, 15:16
The country cannot afford this project. The government is currently generating around 290 million euros of debt each month and have an outstanding 4000million deficit now. There is a greater need for the government to focus on essentials like electricity generation and maintaining a sufficient level of water, paying off the debt to the pharmacies, resurfacing all the roads, making Mater Dei work properly, and the many other areas of neglect that currently exist in Malta. This project is an abuse of taxpayers hard earned cash.
Gianninu Saliba
Mar 25th 2010, 15:13
As expected and as usual, the Labour Party representative voted against the project. Had it been a GWU proposal for a strike, then Rodrick Galdes would have been the first to offer support.
Dear, Joseph, we will never forget that since you became Party leader, your progressive movement was against the privatization of the dockyard, the privatization of the public transport, in favour of wasting Government revenue on subsidies for water and electricity, against paying fair compensation to bus owners, against the City Gate project and against everything that this Government came up with to improve our standard of living. This is why we will ensure that the PN will remain at the helm of this beloved country of ours. There is no substitution to Dr. Gonzi's government.
Joseph Aquilina
Mar 25th 2010, 15:12
Guess that the real meaning of a democracy ... at least here in Malta ... is 5 year dictatorships. The people did not want this project! or at least not as it has been presented. However rather then face reality the PM opted to have a show (when inaugurating the new building) in three years time ... all at the expense of the tax payer!! well done!
Mike Magri
Mar 25th 2010, 15:09
SURPRISE......!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SURPRISE......!!!!!!!!! SURPRISE......!!!!!!!! "..Mepa gives City Gate projects the go-ahead..."...!!!!!! AS..IF...!!! Ha... Ha... Ha... Organized `Dictatorship` at its best, against the VAST MAJORITY of the `BAHNAN` Maltese Population.....!!
WHAT A.. SHAME.. SHAME.. SHAME..
K Spiteri
Mar 25th 2010, 15:06
Did someone doubt this...?
Marco Bajada
Mar 25th 2010, 15:04
They would,wouldn't they?
John Tabone
Mar 25th 2010, 14:53
Kompli ghaddas rasek fir-ramel Gonz....
Joe Cassar
Mar 25th 2010, 14:52
What a surprise! The hand-picked Lawrence Gonzi appointees on the MEPA Board approved the project. Who would have thought it?
I just hope they can sleep at night.
M.Portelli
Mar 25th 2010, 14:51
Good - Finally we can now have a decent entrance to our city rather than being greeted by a neo-fascist gate/latrine, dusty and dingy shops, a car park and a bomb crater. I'll be the first to admit that ideally I would have liked to see a baroque facade given to the new parliament building and to the new site where the old opera house stood, but honestly this is by far better than our current position.
M.Brincat
Mar 25th 2010, 14:50
Nispera li ma jsirx Piano Piano issa ghax ndumu nkarkru bih xi hames snin!
David Hill
Mar 25th 2010, 14:47
As a frequent visitor to Malta over the years I am wondering just how people are going to gain access to Valletta once the work on city gate etc starts.
As My wife and I both have some problems walking long distances, I just wonder ifthe busses still drop off where they do now just how far will we have to walk to get in to the city?
I would have thought that alternative access details would have been published at some stage of the planning.
aspiteri
Mar 25th 2010, 14:47
a very sad day for malta...but it is not over yet!
D.Bonnett
Mar 25th 2010, 14:45
Does this mean labour is against the embellishment of City Gate?
victor pulis
Mar 25th 2010, 14:45
SURPRISE! SURPRISE!
lgalea
Mar 25th 2010, 14:43
SHAME ON MEPA. YOU ARE NOTHING BUT PUPPETS ON A STRING BEING PULLED BY GONZI. LET'S SEE IF YOU DO NOT GIVE A PERMIT TO SOMEONE BECAUSE IT MAY BE IN AN OLD PART OF A TOWN. THEN YOU WOULD FACE A CONSTITUTIONAL CASE FOR DISCRIMINATION. LET ALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT GIVEN A PERMIT FILE A CONSTITUTIONAL CASE OF DISCRIMINATION BY MEPA AND SUE THEM PERSONALLY.
AGAIN SHAME AND SHAME AGAIN MEPA PUPPETS.
Joe Azzopardi
Mar 25th 2010, 14:42
Can Mr Val Valente tell us who, and when, carried out the scientific survey which occluded that “85 per cent of population wanted the theatre as it was before”. Do these people live in Malta or what?
One would have expected Astrid Vella to live up to her words and be the one representing Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar.
Louis Muscat
Mar 25th 2010, 14:24
Val Valent. How did you come to the conclusion that 85% of the population was against the project of the theatre?
J Farrugia
Mar 25th 2010, 14:11
A theatre is for the few elite not for the popolin. we have enough opera theatres 2 in Gozo if they want to see operas. No words and long speeches will change government's plans for our capital city.
Joe Micallef
Mar 25th 2010, 13:53
I suppose what Val Valente meant to say was that he was 85% sure that he wanted the old theatre back!
Joseph Calleja
Mar 25th 2010, 13:43
Dr.Gonzi and Dr.A.Gatt already decided on the plans and dictated that this is the way it's going to be, because we say so. And good news, Mepa approves the plan. Now, who do you think Mepa works for? My way or the highway, very democratic at best. If the picture reflects the real plan, I for one think it looks like something not finished and it does not do the entrance to Valletta any justice. As far as the roofless Opera House? What can I say, I think Mr Piano, Dr Gonzi and Dr Gatt are thinking it's the Colosseum Ruins in Rome. Hope it never rains, the sun is not too strong and the winds are always calm, because I hate to see those beautiful gowns and prim tuxedos ruined during a performance. Public demand: Please put a roof on.
mario scerri
Mar 25th 2010, 13:20
Tajjeb issa fis-sajf nistghu immorru hemm ukoll minflok gianpula biss. Mhux it-tnejn open air???????????? ha ha
Dr Gonzi ahsbilna gha DJ bomba.
jafarrugia
Mar 25th 2010, 12:29
Mr Platner /Joe Borg, the plans have never taken off because no one likes them apart from the dictator in Castille. we would preffer to use the money on more important things for our island.
All Valletta needs is a new gate and some pjazzas done up, parlament can go to ta Qali for all the people care, after all its only 65 cival servants.
J.Borg
Mar 25th 2010, 12:04
"Objectors are about to start presenting their arguments"
What chance have they got to overturn the project when the PM and Minister Gatt already stated that theproject is going to start.......so why hold this meeting if everything is done.
Joe Azzopardi
Mar 25th 2010, 12:04
Lets hope good sense will prevail. The project will approved and the NGOs will not let anyone lead them into making fools of themselves by putting forward stupid objections. Their constructive criticism would, on the other hand, be a welcome contribution.
John Agius
Mar 25th 2010, 11:54
I wonder why all this ado! The current state at Freedom Square and its entrance is a disaster. A complete renovation is earnestly needed.
Valletta was built by “Gentlemen for Gentlemen” then. Now is a different story. Most gentlemen, now, are on the receiving end (the populace). The “others” are victims of the decoy phenomenon.
Gentlemen then, were gentlemen of quality, competent of realizing that Valletta needed an open space at the very entrance to breath and to welcome the local and visiting gentlemen.
The others of today knows it all. They need not ask for advice from World renowned professionals. They hound professionals what to do and deliver a “tomb design” destroying the Knights inheritance of an open breathing space to the entrance of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the sake of “The ruins of ruins”.
Freedom Square and its entrance (current & proposed) shall remain a monument of the modern times political class and professed designers in their competition to the Gentlemen of quality of the old times - The Knights of Malta.
Myrna Minkoff
Mar 25th 2010, 11:52
those look like cubicle patricians
Joe E Galea
Mar 25th 2010, 11:51
What a catastrophic entrance to Valleta Pioano's project will make. What is that?...the entrance to Babylon city?
What a joke as if MEPA was going to oppose this project. Do you seriously think that people are so stupid?
Charles Flores
Mar 25th 2010, 11:44
Now that's a surprise......
George Manduca
Mar 25th 2010, 11:38
I'm utterly disgusted with this know-it-all paternalistic attitude...
So the Prime Minister comes on TV beaming at us and telling us that he understands our plight. He makes us believe that his is a very considerate man and a very democratic PM...
But then! He sends the cabinet bulldog to break the news that the government will not budge one inch!!!
Who do you think you're fooling, Lawrence?
We don't want a Tennis Court !
We don't want a new Parliament!
We don't want a revamped MCC
We want our Royal Opera House back and beyond it's former glory !!!
The Tennis Court will demolished anyway during the next legislation!
G Bugeja
Mar 25th 2010, 11:35
Hehe, what's new?????
MEPA - its mater's voice.
mario mifsud
Mar 25th 2010, 11:35
flimkien kollox possibli ..... sic
N.Lawrence
Mar 25th 2010, 11:26
Entirely predictable from a dictatorial government. Here's another vote you have lost.
tony abela
Mar 25th 2010, 11:26
Does anybody sincerely expect any other decision other than to approve it?
Which Civil Servant or Government Appointee is going to let down the PN who publically and officially declared that the project will go on as planned by Architect Piano.
This morning meeting is waste of money and human resources.