Din l-Art Ħelwa has voiced its concerns with the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Environment and Culture and with the chairman and board of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority regarding the recent spate of developments proposed for Valletta, which include boutique hotels, gardens, modern complexes, cruise liner quay extensions and related activity. Some can be considered seriously, others may be testing the waters of current sensitivity. With areas of Valletta rebuilt during post-war reconstruction and social housing improvements and with European funding now available for the enhancement of cultural assets that further tourism, the city is seen as an investment opportunity, especially on its perimeter which enjoys unique views all round.
While Din l-Art Ħelwa fully understands there are many areas of Valletta that require urgent rethinking, and, indeed, this organisation firmly supports the plans for the City Gate area because they restore dignity to the once noble entrance and brow of our capital, we strongly believe that before further developments are approved piecemeal, there must be an overall vision for Valletta, which will determine the city’s retention of its world heritage status as the best existing example of a 16th century fortified city whose fortifications are second to none in the world.
Without such vision, we risk a medley of new intrusions that do not add to the city’s architectural value and a gradual erosion of its integrity. Modern buildings on its perimeter will detract from the pure lines of its imposing fortifications and mar their military nature. It is critical that these magnificent walls be allowed to dominate in order for Valletta to retain the historic characteristics of the purpose for which it was built.
Furthermore, introducing contemporary architecture into a predominantly baroque and mannerist city demands serious thought. Even before the debate begins as to which style should be adopted, indeed if any, let us determine whether we should invest in new buildings when we should urgently be opting to restore what already exists. The expert views of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and of Unesco’s international representative must be allowed to lead in such sensitive issues and we commend them for having made their views heard over recent proposals.
We continue our plea for the numerous old buildings which lie in decay. Decay does not necessitate demolition. In cities rich in old architecture, small tenements deemed unworthy of modern housing are grouped together, redesigned internally to provide larger comfortable dwellings. Huge palaces, which are unmanageable today, are redesigned sensitively internally so as to provide stylish living spaces. These measures save old buildings from disuse and demolition and the cities retain their overall fabric and original context while providing for new activity. Surely, with some imagination such schemes will be found meritorious of European funding related to increasing sustainable tourism.
It is the responsibility of the authorities and planners to influence the thought of developers and local councils and direct funding schemes to such potential as is being encouraged at Fort St Elmo, rather than come up with new construction. The restoration of Valletta’s many historic buildings and the splendid reinstatement of the fortification at Biagio Steps is proof of the value they add to the city. So is the conversion of Palazzo Spinola that won the DLĦ 2010 award scheme for restoration. Huge areas of potential lie in dilapidation; the Perellos Stores at Barriera Wharf right on Grand Harbour come immediately to mind. Saving these historic buildings would be a more responsible investment than the building of a new boutique hotel right in front of them.
Din l-Art Ħelwa has always encouraged debate about what constitutes good urban renewal but it is absolutely steadfast in its view that proposals for new development in Valletta should form part of an overall architectural vision for the city not an opportunistic, ad hoc response to planning applications as they arise. This vision should embrace best practices in conservation that are backed by thorough research, respect aesthetics and design, be sensitive to good neighbourhood and social demands and be consonant with the expectations required of a World Heritage City. We already have one “Excelsior” that stands as an outstanding example of the insensitive mistakes of the past. A decision today will determine which Valletta we will leave for future generations.
With poverty often said to be the best conservator at most times, there is now an influx of potential funding. So I urge those who will determine the future of Valletta to not let us err on the side of affluence before having a meaningful debate by experts on what new architecture should be allowed in Valletta. Din l-Art Ħelwa will work towards this. We strongly hope the Mepa board will continue to apply rigorous thinking when introductions for newness into Valletta are proposed.
The author is executive president of Din l-Art Ħelwa.