The new national contemporary arts museum, a Valletta 2018 flagship project scheduled for completion in 2021, has finally been given planning permission.

The Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS), which will be built at the currently inaccessible San Salvatore rampart close to the Garden of Rest in Floriana, was announced three years ago. It was originally meant to open this year as part of the European Capital of Culture programme.

The project was pushed back, however, and a planning application for the new gallery, submitted in 2015, was approved by the Planning Authority on Wednesday.

The impending work will involve the construction of a lightweight structure within the Ritirata bastion to enclose the existing area and create an exhibition space, administration offices and a catering facility.

The PA case officer recommended the project, noting that it would open up of part of the bastions for public enjoyment, while the work itself respected the context of its surroundings.

MICAS was meant to open this year as part of Valletta 2018

The Design Advisory Committee commended the plans as “innovative and modern” and the overall project as “a good case of reutilisation of a long-abandoned part of the fortifications that are going to be opened again to the public after decades of neglect”.

The work will also include archaeological excavations approved by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, which will create new spaces that will form part of the museum.

The application approved on Wednesday forms part of a larger plan, which also includes the provision of pedestrian access from Hay Wharf and the adjacent Ospizio complex, as well as landscaping.

Two pending applications for the other phases of the project are still subject to assessment. MICAS is described by V18 as a “platform devoted to showcasing international, contemporary art and visual culture through exhibitions, interaction and exchanges, and a range of cultural activities, educational events and programmes”.

The Times of Malta reported that former CHOGM task force head Phyllis Muscat had been appointed chairman of the museum board in March.

The contemporary gallery will follow the opening of a new fine arts museum, Muża, in De Valette Square. Another V18 project, Muża is billed as a first-of-its-kind “national community art museum” and is scheduled to open this year.

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