The planned return of the Palace Armoury to the former chamber of parliament has been put on hold as the hall has been earmarked as a conference venue during Malta’s 2017 EU presidency.
The Palace will host the informal EU ministerial meetings chaired by Malta.
On Thursday the planning authority will decide on an application to dismantle the parliamentary chamber, last used in April, and install temporary conference facilities.
The chamber, currently furnished with wooden platforms, franka-dressed stone elements and ceiling fittings – will be dismantled by hand to minimise potential damage. Each item will be numbered and stored safely in another location.
The chamber of Parliament replaced the armoury in 1976. Works to return the armoury to its former home had been due to start when the House of Representatives migrated to the new Parliament building.