The Broadcasting Authority will not be moving to new offices in Valletta, reversing a decision taken by the board then chaired by Tanya Borg Cardona, the Times of Malta was told.

When asked what stage the planned move had reached, a spokesman said the broadcasting watchdog would remain at its present offices in Ħamrun.

“In view of the change in circumstances, the authority has decided not to proceed with the previous relocation plan,” he added.

The spokesman did not say what the change in circumstances consisted of. Neither would he say what led the board, which, just weeks ago, had voted in favour of the move though the two Nationalist Party representatives were against, to change its mind.

This newspaper was told that the relocation to Melita Street was a personal initiative of the previous chairwoman.

“All at the authority know that it was only Ms Borg Cardona who wanted to change offices from the present purpose-built building in Ħamrun to a smaller base in Valletta,” an employee said.

It could not be established whether the change in plans could result in the Broadcasting Authority incurring any costs and discussing obligations it had already committed itself to.

A number of consultants are known to have been commissioned through direct order to work on the new building.

Ms Borg Cardona was replaced by George Mifsud earlier this year after she was forced to resign following industrial action by staff members who objected to the move and also complained of her “rude” attitude.

Read: BA chairwoman resigns amid controversy

Mr Mifsud passed away a few weeks later. He was succeeded by Martin Micallef.

In a hard-hitting letter to the Prime Minister, employees had asked him to remove Ms Borg Cardona from the post saying she did not have the required skills and knowledge to chair a constitutional authority.

The Prime Minister had said he could not intervene in a constitutionally-appointed body.

Ms Borg Cardona resigned a few days later.

ivan.camilleri@timesofmalta.com