A short time ago I researched the Piano project in Valletta for a major story I have written for Asia’s premier travel and lifestyle magazine, which will be published at the beginning of next year.

I note with great dismay that the garden that was supposed to be laid in the dry moat has been shelved or suspended, allegedly to make the dry moat a car park. From my research – and observations – it is obvious to me that the garden is an essential part of the project.

The bridge leading into Valletta has been narrowed and made loftier and more open to reveal the impressive fortifications, and the garden would complement the vista and also invite the pedestrians to walk down to it (from the steps adjacent to the new gateway) and get a feel for the formidable fortifications looming high above.

On the contrary, if the dry moat becomes a car park, the view of parked cars – a smorgasbord of glossy coloured cars, with their shiny roofs and windows – will jar with the historical setting.

The cars will be like an imposition, like putting neon lights on the facade of a historical building, a distasteful sight for pedestrians and something that will serve to intimate and symbolise our nation’s disrespect for Valletta, our prime historical space.

I hope that a sense of culture and aesthetics and respect for our fortifications prevails, and the government proceeds with the garden as planned.

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