The new parliament building designed by Renzo Piano will be ready in June, in time for the move to take place during MPs’ summer recess, according to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia.
Works on the building located at the entrance to Valletta were set back by a year, but despite budget overruns and concerns the place was too small everybody now seems happy with the final result, which includes a hemicycle chamber to optimise space.
People will soon understand it’s one of the most beautiful theatres in the world
Dr Farrugia said the Government and the Opposition had reached consensus on the way forward to “ensure this new building can function for the next 50 years” from space for archives, to the need for a library and offices for the increasing number of research analysts.
World-renowned architect Mr Piano, who yesterday met the House Business Committee in the present parliament building housed in the majestic Grand Master’s Palace, was also happy with the way works on the project were proceeding.
Mr Piano enthused about the beauty of the island’s “white rock”, which he wanted to make “the centre point” of the project.
When he arrived from Paris on Friday he spent all evening walking through City Gate, even jet spraying the stone to examine its patina and the lighting at midnight.
Yesterday morning he was back on site and went through the parliament chamber, which “is going to be fantastic”.
“Parliament is really more than just a building – it’s the entire City Gate,” Mr Piano said, adding he was very happy with the final result of the bridge that was now more in proportion with the capital’s entrance.
By next month, one section of the stairs flanking each side of City Gate will be open to the public.
Asked if he was happy with the outcome of the open-air theatre, which courted controversy from its early days, Mr Piano said that he was pleased.
“It’s not completely finished yet but I’m happy with the theatre.
“I think people will soon understand it’s one of the most beautiful in the world because it’s a theatre without walls and the walls are Valletta,” he said, clearly enamoured with the city’s history.
He was not overly concerned with the fact the project had been delayed and the budget overrun by at least €6 million, insisting the team was being careful to ensure costs were controlled.
Asked about adaptions of the original designs, Mr Piano said there were no major changes and on the election of a new government in March there had been “more listening, adapting and readjusting”.
“I’m very grateful for Malta – it’s quite unique. I think finally everybody will see it’s been a good, wise use of their money.”