The Planning Authority has reversed its position and given the go-ahead for the Valletta Market operators to place tables and chairs in what was supposed to be a promised exhibition space.

Earlier this month, a majority of PA board members indicated they would reject plans for a private catering area on the paved area in front of the Suq, surrounded by a glass enclosure.

But at a final vote in a hearing on Thursday, the board opted unanimously to approve the application, ignoring reasons for refusal it had itself set – including the negative impact on the streetscape and the fact that the development has already taken place, with the furniture having been in place without a permit since the market opened its doors in January.

Operators Arkadia Group had told the PA last year that the area in front of the old market would be used to host exhibitions – on the basis of which the authority issued another permit for three diamond-shaped dining areas in the middle of Merchants Street.

During the hearing, Arkadia said it had signed an agreement with Valletta 2018 and Arts Council Malta to host one cultural event a month on the market’s first floor, which is not yet open to the public.

The operators also reiterated that the area in question was part of the 65-year concession the company was granted to restore the operate the market, and that the extra catering areas were necessary to make the project viable.

Valletta residents who spoke against the development said the application entrenched the idea of the space as private and undermined the idea of the market as a public, community space. Residents said approval would send the message that it paid to act first and seek permission later.

The Valletta local council also objected to the development, which it said would create a privatised space on what was supposed to be a public square. “This will have future repercussions and sets a precedent for other public open piazzas around Valletta,” the council said.

Operators refuse to commit to ‘cultural space’ pledge

Asked by the Times of Malta after the hearing whether the operators stood by a pledge made by Valletta 2018 that 15 per cent of the Suq would be reserved for cultural activities, Arkadia Group COO Maria Micallef said only: “Ask Valletta 2018.”

Pressed further on what the space where cultural events are to take place “once a month” would be used for the rest of the time, she said: “We will tell you in a press release.”

The Valletta 2018 Foundation, which promoted the €14 million renovation of the 1860s market as one of its flagship infrastructural projects, has ignored all questions on the project, including over the cultural space pledge and whether it knew that the operators planned to replace the outdoor exhibition space with another dining area.

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