The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has appealed to the government, to protect the investment in the City Gate, new theatre project and safeguard it from the deterioration in value and status which would be the result of the relocation of the monti.

In a statement, the chamber said more than €100 million were invested in a world class building that, although still not completed, had already drawn the attention of the international architecture community.

The chamber said that, if relocated at all, the open air market should be limited to the stretch in Ordinance Street between Republic Street and Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

It also strongly deplored the state of affairs at the new entrance to the capital, which a handful of hawkers were blocking with shabby stalls and kiosks.

"This is certainly not in line with the image which the Renzo Piano entrance is intended to project. The Malta Chamber therefore urges the authorities to take the necessary steps to immediately remove these stalls and kiosks and to draw up a proper plan for the use of the peripheral area.