PR29/06/2009 AD: City Gate - Reasonable and interesting proposals

AD having seen Renzo Piano’s proposals for the Opera House and Freedom Square
sites supports the proposals submitted.

Architect and party spokesperson on sustainable development and local government
Carmel Cacopardo said:"Whilst there could be reasons justifying the criticism of
the individual components of the project AD considers that the proposals should
be seen as a whole. In particular AD supports the proposals' sensitivity to the
Opera House site as well as the integration of green concepts in the design of
the new Parliament building. Whilst AD would have preferred the Parliament to be
sited elsewhere it considers that the proposal submitted is reasonable.'

'The proposal will remove a large parking site and hence further reduce the
number of cars which can enter Valletta at a given time. This is in addition to
the reduction resulting from the pedestrianisation of Merchants Street and the
paving of St George’s Square. Within this context the reform of the public
transport system assumes urgent significance. The introduction of an efficient
public transport system coupled with the reduction of parking spaces could
reduce cars from our roads making them not only safer but also resulting in
cleaner air'.

AD augured that other valid ideas brought up by civil society such as that for a
national library are followed up and that other sites in Valletta are renovated
and put to good use. AD also augured that the timeframe and budget for the City
Gate project are adhered to.


Ralph Cassar
PRO