The Attard council said on Wednesday that the creation of a node in lieu of the former railway station waiting room, giving a suitable and community-focused use of an otherwise vacant site, does not attempt to fully replicate the former building.
The Malta Railway Foundation is objecting to the proposed design saying it had nothing to do with the old station. It said the outside of the building should at least be as close as possible to the original Victorian one.
The council said on Wednesday it had worked over the past years to provide a much needed cultural information centre which sought to provide a focal point for tourists visiting the locality.
It would provide information on the Three Villages with the scope of enhancing the tourists’ cultural experience within the area in line with the focus of the Malta Tourism Authority’s Three Villages Heritage trail. The building would also have a dedicated area for a public library.
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It said that on the advice of the architect tasked with piloting the project, and with the full support of the council, the approved design did not attempt to fully replicate the former waiting room building and this was clearly stated on the application.
“It is felt that given the total disappearance of the defunct building with absolutely no remnants during WWII provides little scope for reconstruction. This is totally in line with internationally recognised guidelines,” it said.
The council said that although this was not a world heritage site, the philosophy put forward in the guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention was applied.
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It said it was proud to finally provide a functional space with modern amenities and with a design that made the best use of the available space and which was accessible to all.
The approved pavilion would still recall the character of the railway waiting room.
The main part of the building would occupy the identical footprint, while the height of the main part and the overall dimensions would also match the 19th century counterpart.
“The council makes no apologies for choosing a modern language for the community building and is proud that sustainability is at the core of the chosen and approved design – double-walls, a cantilever/shading device and large double-glazed surfaces to maximise natural lighting.
“The building is designed to serve its new function as a cultural information centre, as a cultural space and to house a community library. It will not serve any commercial function. Ħ’Attard local council puts the community first when it comes to the use of public spaces it manages. The building respects the past and its surroundings without any conflict with its surroundings,” it said.