It may be known as Is-Suq, but there isn’t much that’s marketable about the existing Valletta market building and its dilapidated interior. However, a proposal to transform the 153-year-old building into a three-storey contemporary art museum has inflamed passions and set tongues wagging online.

There isn’t a single space in which to exhibit a massive sculpture or installation...what better place in than in the middle of Valletta?

1800s

Now

The proposal is the fruit of one year’s work by architect Chris Briffa and his studio team, with a number of architecture students also roped in to contribute.

It envisages transforming the existing building into Malta’s first genuine contemporary art exhibition space, with 1,200 square metres of floor space and walls nine metres high.

Market stalls would line the building’s exterior side walls, nestled into a specially-created ditch and integrating the building’s previous function with its proposed new one.

The proposal is not without its critics, with some arguing that Valletta needs a market more than a contemporary art museum. Mr Briffa disagrees.

“A gourmet food market sounds good in theory but think of it in practice. The moment outlets stop making money, it’ll turn into a food court full of fast food outlets. Is that what we want Is-Suq to be?”

Malta was crying out for an exhibition space for modern and contemporary art, he argued.

“There isn’t a single space in which to exhibit a massive sculpture or installation.

“And what better place than smack bang in the middle of our capital city?”

There is no guarantee that Mr Briffa’s proposal, which is being exhibited at Lily Agius gallery, Sliema until April 14, will come to fruition.

But at least it has got people talking, he said.

“It’s raised awareness about the building and its dilapidated state, and created pressure for something to be done with it. And that’s already an achievement in itself.”

How it all began ...

• The Covered Market was the first buildingto be constructed entirely out of metal in Malta.

• In 1845 it was planned on the vacated site of the old Valletta jail.

• It was to cost four thousand pounds and would incorporate both cast and wrought iron.

• Works were shelved for a number of years, to be taken up in 1858 by Governor John Gaspard Le Merchant.

• Hector Zimelli, who became Superintendent in 1855, was charged with the design.

• The final construction included 153 stalls and 65 cellars, as well as a central skylight.

• Today the market has a simple rectangular plan with masonry walls and arches, making up all three of the distinct levels.

• It suffered damage during World War II and was repaired.

• In 1982 the market traders moved to Floriana.

• In 2008 it was listed as a Grade 1 building.