The proposal to relocate Valletta’s Monti to Ordinance Street has generated mostly negative reactions so far from the cultural community – and they all agree the market itself is a shabby eyesore, displaying “cheap” and “tasteless” wares.
Din l-Art Ħelwa, a heritage NGO, rubbished the proposal as a “hurried decision” taken without sufficient reflection on the devaluation it would bring to the investment made to commission world renowned architect Renzo Piano to upgrade City Gate.
There is no place for this shabbiness in our capital city
“It is ironic that while the Government plans to relocate and tidy up the unsightly kiosks and stalls just outside the entrance to Valletta, on the other hand it may now be proposing to place market stalls just within the city walls,” it said in a statement.
Relocating the market from Merchants Street close to the capital’s entrance lacked vision. While acknowledging that the current market site may have its drawbacks and that other solutions may be considered, DLĦ said the entrance to Valletta was “wholly unsuitable” for this open-air market.
Earlier this week, Economy Minister Chris Cardona told Parliament that discussions were under way to relocate the market to Ordinance Street, located close to City Gate.
However, as the hawkers pointed out, the narrow street would not be able to accommodate all the stalls, resulting in a potential spill across to the new Parliament building up to Victory Square.
St James Cavalier general manager Chris Gatt told Times of Malta that while he recognised the need to relocate, the move to Ordinance Street would only serve to generate more problems.
“Being greeted by the flea market upon one’s entrance to Valletta doesn’t exactly strike the right note.
“The market can by no means be described as an attraction. It doesn’t garner much interest from tourists. In terms of aesthetics, it has nothing to do with European markets, such as Covent Garden.”
He added that the stalls were in dire need of upgrading.
“This plan, flagged without any formality, is bad news to St James Cavalier. The market would only serve to clog the streets, covering St James instead of bringing people over.”
According to artist and Valletta resident James Vella Clark, it was not only a matter of stalls and presentation; it was the very nature of the items sold and the sellers themselves.
“There is no place for this shabbiness in our capital city. Basic standards and finesse have been thrown out of the window. I keep hoping that someone in a position of authority will come back to his senses”.
However, according to Kenneth Zammit Tabona, deputy chairman of the Manoel Theatre board, the move to Ordinance Street would mean that the flea market would be conveniently out of the way.
“I remember the old market as being extremely atmospheric. Unfortunately, the monti has died a natural death. It’s now become a place abounding with junk. If relocated to Ordinance Street, people can visit the flea market if they expressly wish to. It’s a no-go area. As it is, you’re forced to pass through it. Merchants Street has become an obstacle race – I avoid it like the plague.”
He added that it would be a different matter altogether if it were a more tasteful, artisan market such as the Vucciria in Palermo.
“The market has lost its relevance. And if Valletta residents themselves don’t use it, it’s lost its purpose.”
Architect Chris Briffa believes the proposal should be rethought properly.
“If contained within Ordinance Street, that’s fine, but it can’t be blocking an important pedestrian way.”
He added that accidents have occurred where passers-by were injured while the stalls were being set up. The stalls also had to be standardised, he continued, in a vein similar to those found in Verona. Junk should be filtered out.
“The planning authority has strict regulations on every door and window. It’s ridiculous that the flea market has no regulations.”