The Planning Authority has taken a dim view of plans for another catering area at the renovated Suq in Valletta, in what was meant to be an outdoor exhibition space.
The PA board yesterday expressed its intention to reject plans by Arkadia Group, which was granted a lease to restore and operate the old covered market, to place tables and chairs on the paved area in front of the building.
The forecourt on Merchant’s Street was part of the building’s original structure which was rebuilt during the restoration project. The application also includes a glass railing enclosing the area.
Tables and chairs have been in place there without a permit since the market had opened in January, even though the application was submitted as a new development rather than to sanction the illegality.
Moreover, deputy chairperson Elizabeth Ellul noted during the hearing yesterday that the project architect had previously stated that the area in question would be used as an exhibition space.
READ: Curious crowds flock to Valletta's market
This declaration had had a bearing on a previous application decided by the Planning Commission.
Other board members also expressed reservations over the increased commercialisation and called for the area to be retained as open space.
Arkadia representatives, meanwhile, stressed that the area was part of the property and that the tables and chairs would not take up any public land.
They said the additional catering area was essential to make the project viable, and that negotiations with the government had been based on the understanding that the area would be used for that purpose.
A majority of board members – five to four – indicated their intention to vote against the application. In line with procedure – since the application had been recommended for approval – the hearing was deferred for conditions to be drawn up ahead of a formal vote in the coming weeks.
The €14 million renovation of the 1860s market was one of Valletta 2018’s flagship infrastructural projects. It was pitched as a culinary and cultural hub with 15 per cent of the building promised to be retained for cultural activity.
In March, following the publication of a study highlighting residents’ concerns over the impact of Valletta 2018 on the local community, mayor Alexiei Dingli described the project as a “missed opportunity”.
“The place is very commercial and in no way fosters a sense of community,” he said.
Respondents in the study had expressed specific concern over the fact that the area outside the building could only be used by those who purchased products from the stalls inside the market.