The kiosks placed in Tritons Square, Valletta, are causing “the least visual impact”, according to the state corporation responsible for the project.

It would not say how much they cost and insisted no negative feedback had ever been received when their design was subject to public consultation in April 2017.

The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation was commenting when asked whether it would consider altering the kiosk design.

Installed a few weeks ago, the metal kiosks, bearing “an engineered wood finish” were meant to provide the final touches on the embellishment project around the restored Tritons Fountain. However, the design and especially the layout of the container-like structures have fuelled a debate on social media.

No negative feedback was received during public consultation

While some have compared the Tritons Square to the Freeport terminal, others complained that a much-needed open space in the capital had been compromised. In view of this, many called on the authorities to remove the kiosks.

However, when the Times of Malta enquired whether the GHRC was considering their removal, it was informed this option was not on the cards.

Chief operations officer Dennis Vella pointed out that consultations on the rede-signed Tritons Square, the kiosks included, started two years ago. There are 10 kiosks already in place, and two will be added at a later stage to house the equipment used in the square, as well as a security office and two small units to be used as a taxi booth and a tourist information office.

Mr Vella noted that the street furniture and kiosks were designed to complement each other through their materials and natural colours.

As for the layout, he said it was done “to cause the least visual impact possible and not diminish the spatial volume of the square. “For this reason, these kiosks are on the periphery of the square as per published plans,” he pointed out.

The situation on the ground, however, gives a completely different impression, especially when the square is viewed from the bus terminus or the area in front of the Phoenicia Hotel.

Mr Vella pointed out the GHRC had designed the structures in consultation with the project’s main stakeholders, who were not named. The corporation did not reveal the cost of each kiosk despite repeated requests.

According to a brief issued last year, encroachment by means of tables and chairs will not be allowed by the vendors operating from the kiosks.

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