A proposed 'observation wheel' near the Floriana granaries will totally mar the area and the view to Valletta, heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa has insisted.

Planned to stand 45 metres high, the proposed wheel will be located off St Publius Street near the Granaries.

DLĦ said the structure, whether permanent or temporary, will mar the historic approaches to Valletta and Floriana, and create a serious visual intrusion on the skylines of Valletta from both the Three Cities and from Sliema.  

The sizeable structure will also dwarf St Publius Parish Church, a Grade 1 scheduled landmark building, the unique Grade 1 scheduled Granaries, and the Grade 1 Mall Gardens, which all lie close to the proposed observation wheel.

Quoting from the Grand Harbour Local Plan policies which relate to Building Heights in Floriana, the NGO said it is objecting on the grounds that “no development will be permitted which detracts from views of and from UCAs”.

The objection also points out that according to SPED (the new structure plan) “no development within historic sites should be permitted unless it ensures that the historic site’s skyline is not adversely affected”.

"The proposed application for a private business proposition intends to capitalise on the views of Valletta’s World Heritage walls and its harbours; it departs heavily from permitted policies, lacks sensitivity to the historic character of Valletta and Floriana, and should be dismissed, says Din l-Art Helwa.

"Furthermore, this kind of entertainment structure, passing off as an observation point, will inevitably bring further clutter in the way of refreshment and catering areas, ticketing booths and visitor facilities. St Publius Square, its unique collection of historic silos, its adjacent parking zones and shaded spaces are public areas which should not be taken up to facilitate an individual business proposition, but should be left free and unencumbered" Din l-Art Ħelwa said.

It urged the Planning Authority to dismiss this proposal outright.