The old suq in Valletta cuts a pretty depressing figure as things stand. I have the faintest memory of when it was buzzing with life, when it was considered not only as a valuable source of food and produce for city people and beyond but also as a hub where to catch up with the gossip, as it were. Times changed, things happened and – for a variety of reasons – the market’s primary function has somewhat diminished.

I’ve seen this old building take life twice over the past years, thanks to the Patches Arts and Crafts market which created a lovely and warm vibe. Another time, something (rather disappointingly) got in the way of a planned live music gig and it failed to materialize.

I’ve always wondered why no-one has yet come up with a proposal to help this building reach its full potential. Now, someone has. When the invitation to attend a presentation by architect Chris Briffa landed in my mail I was immediately intrigued.

The subject of the presentation? A proposal for the old market to be transformed into a national contemporary art museum. I’ll be honest – it’s not what I, myself, had visualised in my imaginings for this building. My imaginings had been of a rather more modest nature, on the lines of La Boqueria food market in Barcelona, or perhaps even the smaller Covent Garden food market.

As soon as people got wind of the project, the reactions on the social media were immediate. And by reactions, I mean screaming blue murder at anyone daring to “touch” this building. Like I said, Briffa’s proposals are a totally novel idea but instead of screaming blue murder I figured it was worth keeping an open mind and finding out more.

I’m glad I did. I confess that – with some caveats where I’d like some clarifications, which I’m sure Briffa will have no problem discussing – I found the architect’s vision fascinating. The presentation showed us a building that is a million light years away from the sight we are used to. The current narrow and smelly ditches on the side would give way to three-metre-wide side passages which (hopefully) will include cafes and the like. The front would be virtually unrecognisable, with a stepped piazza that aligns the building with Merchants’ Street and also encourages people to hang out – much as people hang around Piazza della Signoria in Florence.  The top tier of the building would be transformed, with a totally restored roof. Then, of course there is the exhibition space, a new basement, a more “open” main area...

Is this the only solution to breathe life back in market place? Of course not. For the proposal to work, there are questions that need clearing up. Such as what will happen to the present hawkers? Will they be kept on? If yes, would they be forced to elevate prices in line with boutique markets? And where will the vendors be relocated until works are done?

 But in the meantime, no-one can deny that we do need a national contemporary art museum. Briffa’s dreams might be big, but big dreams are better than sitting on our butts and doing nothing.

I won’t go into too much detail about the presentation itself, because describing an architectural proposal doesn’t quite have the same import as actually viewing it.  For those who would like to learn more before making up their minds, the related architectural exhibition can be viewed at Lily Agius Gallery in Cathedral Street, Sliema until Saturday, April 14.

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