Renzo Piano, the Italian architect behind the City Gate project in Valletta, has met the Prime Minister to discuss his ideas and the way ahead for the controversial development.

The meeting was held on Tuesday in Mr Piano’s Paris studio, where Joseph Muscat was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech.

“During the information meeting Mr Piano explained the concept behind the project, the original brief and future plans,” a spokesman for the Prime Minister said in a statement.

The spokesman said the Government planned to carry out extensive consultation regarding how the project should be developed.

The project involves a new parliament building in the middle of Freedom Square, a roofless theatre in the ruins of the old opera house and a new entrance to the city.

Since the Labour Party was elected to government in March, it has hinted that the current plans are not final.

During a news conference held a month ago, Infrastructure Minister Joseph Mizzi said he planned to review the floor layout of the parliament after finding there is not enough space to house the offices of the 14 ministers and eight parliamentary secretaries, all parliamentary committees and a Cabinet meeting room.

Sources said Mr Mizzi held a meeting with representatives of Mr Piano’s studio last week. It is still not clear whether the Government also has in mind to revise plans for City Gate and the roofless theatre.