Video: Government to rebuild Opera House site, City Gate - Plans by Renzo Piano

Valletta was designed to be as inaccessible as possible,
to protect the then current rulers. Quirks of time allow
us to still see the splendour, a living example of history.
That is why people come to visit, repeatedly,
expecting a vibrant entity rather than a showpiece
or a museum that closes down in the evening.
Replacing the scar of cultural expressions with
a modern administrative temple will only decrease
the accessibility and the reasons for visitors to stay.
Make Valletta accessible. Open it up for life even after sunset.

I doubt that the current rulers of Malta live under the
same threats as the original builders of Valletta.
The parliament does not have to be located
in the least accessible place on the islands.
Make the government accessible by moving
it to a new administrative centre that
can be easily reached, anywhere from Floriana, B'kara
to Luqa or Attard with ample space, accessible for all.
That would be a place for modern architecture,
highlighting the modern Malta. Replace the
scar in Valletta with a space for living culture,
with a design that honours the historical style and
spirit, Show the world that Malta respects
its history and heritage.

Two weeks and 1day ago. This is good news and is even better news that the old Opera House is to be paid from public funds and be proud of it, and not from some handout like so many other projects. Weather Gonzi PN is trolling for votes in 4yrs time or not, after 66yrs in ruins and an ugly entrance to our beloved city is good news indeed. One thing was missing that a Monument for the Grand Master was not on the card, La Vallette deserves it. Please build it in the same architecture as the old one, same goes for the City Gate. I was in Quebec City Canada and gave me the feeling that of Valletta. Quebec was built around the same time as Valletta and when I noticed people walking up and down the promanade in the evening and lovers holding hands, it resembled Republic St in Valletta, I also noticed a huge monument for the founder of this city, Samuel the Champlain looking over the great St Lawrence River, by the way Old Quebec was celebrating 400 yrs anniversary this year. So why Valletta cant have a Monument for Grant Master La Vallette.

Without going into the merits of whether the parliament should be re-located or whether Mr Piano is fit for the task (mainly because both have been presented as done deeds), what I'd suggest is that the plans are submitted to the public for their opinion. This could easily be the most significant architectural intervention of a generation so we can and should be consulted about the outcome. In no way would I suggest that the public submits their opinion. The multitude of pink facades aided by gold aluminium touches are enough to make one shudder at that thought. A simple yes/no could do the trick.

Now we have to meet politicians the moment we enter the capital city! The site should be developed for cultural reasons, not for political.

@Gauci Cunningham...

Seriously??

9 months ago we had an election the point of which was obviously to elect our government. We vote for our MP's to represent us in Parliament, in governing our country. If the government had to ask us for a vote on every move it makes we'll be going back in time like when the Spartan men use to meet and vote on every ridiculously minute matter.

Have some faith in the people you voted for!! Public consultation is not about knocking on peoples doors for their 'go ahead' on a project, but listening to the public opinion if the issue is debatable.. We all know how to contact the authorities when we want to... so get cracking and email the Ministry responsible with your more suitable alternative.

Personally... I say Well Done!! I can't wait to see Pjazza l-Helsien in a more welcoming state.

Is it possible to have on this blog an image showing Renzo Piano's original plan for Valletta entrance? Speaking to young people, they are showing interest on what was originally proposed by this great Architect. Nowhere one can find these images on the web. Any help in this regard is appreciated.

In my previous contribution I did not express myself against any design of Mr. Piano. . Definitely this architect should be one of many invited to submit proposals. I was just defending my right to choose what I am paying. Or are the politicians forgetting that it is our money that pays for this project.

Selecting Mr. Piano without any contest is an infantile declaration that there are no other architectural genious around the world... and Malta or that a structure is not worth viewing if it does not bear the grand Piano's signature.

One need not be an architect to appreciate an architectural gem, like one does not need to be a doctor to appreciate his work.... if the pain goes away then he has done his job. I am sure all those millions who visit the pyramids are not architects by profession.

The problem with creating the Extraordinary is that most often this is something that only a few will understand and can appreciate. We all remember the extra ordinary show at St.James Cavallier to celebrate the new millenium. What a joke that turned out to be - and a very costly one at that.

"........At a time when whatever the government does, is done with great consultation" -----JANE BARTHET..................................are you serious?? This is precisely a time when the government is not consulting anyone, it didn't discuss the W&E bills, it isn't consulting anyone on the Ghadira rd, it didn't discuss anything with the car owners before lumping them with higher licences, it didn't consult the young before it decided to enforce the "Paceville curfew law", it didn't discuss the impact of the drainage tariff, it didn't discuss the abrupt termination of the Housing scheme , they didn't consult those whose names were ""processed"" to the PN HQ's and it didn't discuss anything about this project either!!!

Janet Barthet, if Gonzi's aim is really to build the Opera Hse. and this is not all a carrot to make us forget the arrogant decisions taken since the budget than HOW may I ask did the Minister "forget" to budget these 80MILLION EUROS for the project in the budget itself!! Isn't that what the budget is about i.e. budgeting money!!!!!!!!!!!

The PN has betrayed our trust!!!! They are treating us like garbage!! Thank God payback time is not that far away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This project, as expected has generated a very diverse reaction from the general public. It's true that you can't please everybody, however my concern is that people are displeased just for the sake of being displeased. Without knowing the details of a project they comment on how it will look, or that it is not the right project for Valletta. The fact of the matter is that the government has finally decided to go forward and not linger on what might be, as has been the case for over 60 years. People might not agree with the use of the site to house parliament. I don't agree 100% either. On the other hand we do need a parliament, it is essential that it is in our Capital, so why not there if we can finally free the Armoury at the Palace and finally open that part to the public as well? I don't agree that it should house a theatre either, and i have no personal agenda to request that it is. My point is that it has to be given a function, and finally this is going to happen, removing in the process a scar from the past.

I'm all for it! Well done! Great to be rid of a slum entrance. Just imagine, first you enter Valletta passing under a hideous city gate. Then you see a large ruin, inhabited by cars.

This way the Nationalists can correct the great mistake they did in the sixties when they destroyed the original city gate to have it replaced by the monstrosity we currently have to bear with.

I agree pretty much that (a) there are already enough theatres in Valletta for the demand. Operas and other large productions can be held can be held at the Manoel. (b) if parliament needs more space then we need a new parliament building, and there aren't any other convenient places to do so in Valletta.

What is completely unacceptable is to commission Renzo Piano (or indeed anyone) directly for the job. A worldwide call / competition should be held inviting suggestions, the winner being the one that integrates best in the existing architecture while providing all the modern functions necessary. Besides the general idea that this should not be a no-bid contract to ANY architect, I have my doubts on Piano's suitability for the job in hand. I am no architectural expert, but his style (Pompidou centre Paris or Nemo building Amsterdam) is a flamboyant standout that would be more suited to the regeneration of Paceville and Gzira than teh sobriety of our capital

Why are you all panicking and arguing on what should and what should not be. Yes if the house of representatives is built on the old theatre site we hit two birds with one stone. It will be used as parliament and also theatre for the teatrini by government MPs.

i have taken a look at most of the major works of renzo piano and my humble opinion is that his renaissance plans and our capital city's baroque architecture will be a mismatch to say the least irrelevant of mr piano's world renowned fame.
and now to the most important issue . why has the prim santa claus dug into his bag right now to pull such extravaganza amounting to between 60 and 80 million euros (projected only) which will be financed by bleeding us white through energy bills. thats what public funds mean - money extracted from the pockets of tom dick and harry or more upt cikku l poplu.

@ george farrugia: I'm sorry but this is not something to be decided by popular vote. Judging
architectural worth requires skill that is beyond most. I'm not going to judge a doctor's work or an engineer's for that matter. Architecture is not fine art, it has to tackle very specific requirements of light, space, usability whilst using the latest technologies to effect. The Romans built the coliseum out of concrete! It's an engineering marvel more than an aesthetic one!
Why can't we do something better, using modern technologies and reflecting modern taste?!

we need the Piano face lift done asap. Every foreigner that came to Malta left their imprint, why can't we have something of our own?! Are we going to glorify the age of the knights or when we were under british rule? Every major city in Europe with finer and better kept architecture have embraced new architecture. It is the best way Malta can advertise a young, dynamic society. Great architecture that reflects the times should not be the prerogative of dictators, but of great democracies as well.

After having let off all the (negative) steam I had earlier on and spoken with a few learned people and also done some research, I must agree, to some extent, with Michael Attard Previ.

Having said that, it does not mean that most contributors are not capable of judging a project with good taste and aestetics against one with poor or bad taste.

Valletta is dear to all of us. I spent years working in Valletta and would gladly go back to those times.

As the Prim said, let us indeed look at it more positively and be proud of our heritage.

Let us also hope (and ensure) that a project is one that does Valletta honor.

Before posting, I would like you all to give a more INFORMED opinion as Karl Ebejer has stated further down.

I advise most of you to look into the subject of restoration projects more thoroughly and read architecture theory works from architects such as John Ruskin. Just because Valletta is a city with Baroque, and Neo classical styles amongst others, it doesn't mean that we have to rebuild in that style. Doing so would result in a historical and an aesthetic fraud as it wouldn't be reflecting it's true age.

Throughout history all great and living architecture has been the direct expression of needs and beliefs of man at the time of its creation therefore we must clothe modern ideas with modern dress

If we were consulted on such issues as the designs of Maltese Euro currency and the Maltese monopoly board game, we certainly should be given the opportunity to choose between designs by Maltese and foreign architects for such a monumental building. It appears that quite a few people on this page believe that Mr. Piano's design would win. That's fine as long as it is the choice of the public - yours and mine.

I think that an international competition should be held and the winning design chosen by a public vote, and not just hand it over to R. Piano.

''The ultimate task of the architect is to make the ordinary extraordinary'' Richard England

I Galea........

What I mean by simple is artistically and aesthetically beautiful, as adverse to some outrageous and grotesque construction. I'm in favour of reconstructing city gate on the original plans and making maximum use of open space as one enters (suitably embellished, of course).

Firstly, I find Mr Piano's work to be out of place for Valletta, why have Maltese architects not been contacted - do we have so little faith in ourselves? Secondly Gonzi's 'consultation' of the opposition is shameful, his 'consultation' of the people (whose money he is apparently using, although i can't remember him asking me) is complete arrogance, this should be down to a referendum, and thirdly why does everything have to centre around politics all the time - such a beautiful building should not be used for such dirty business.

@David Grima:

Give the guy a chance!!

At a time when whatever the government does, is done with great consultation (who ever heard of public consultation until just a few years ago??) I'm sure that OPM will be responsible enough to restore the beauty of Freedom Square and not degrade it to anything less than the gem it originally was.

Have some faith in these people!!

Well Done for the project... I'm looking forward to a time when I can walk into Vlt and see a built up Opera House :-)

What a sigh of relief! Renzo Piano is the architect that can finally place Malta on the international map of architecture. I sincerely hope that he can redesign the entrance to our city. Can't wait to walk through a newly designed city gate!

Although 20 years have passed since his first design, the urban fabric of Valletta did not change. Renzo Piano is already familiar with the site as he has already designed to address it.
He is one of the few talented starchitects that can turn an eyesore to a tourist attraction and a landmark. I do not agree with people posting comments about the (un)worthiness of an architect like Piano. With over thirty years of experience, Renzo Piano has dealt with a vast array of buildings, utilizing different concepts, materials, and more importantly, within different contexts.
We shoud be honoured to have him address such an important site. I suggest that before commenting, one should first develop an INFORMED opinion. Some seem to portray him as one who can only create bombastic or ego centric sculptures. Far from it. He has been voted as one of the world’s most influential 100 people by Time magazine. Looking up Renzo Piano on Wikipedia for the first time in your life and deciding he is not the right architect to regenerate our capital city is not the right approach - Valletta deserves more than that!

Sir

On Sunday I hear the Prime Minister inviting the Leader of the Opposition for a meeting to discuss issues of national importance....the rebuilding of the opera house being one of them. The following day I hear the same Prime Minister on the same television state that the decision on what to do with the opera house has been taken and in fact, Was this the same Prime Minister.

What we do with the Opera House and city gate is something that future generations will judge us by. I therefore a selection of world reknowned artists, be asked to submit more than one proposal and then we let the people decide. In June we are going to have the Euro Parliament elections. So perhaps this issue could be put to the vote of the public - at no extra cost. The City Gate / Opera House project is a highly sensitive issue very close to Maltese hearts.

It has been scientifically proven that the decision of the masses is almsot always better than that of a few experts... democracy itself is the best example.

We need a new House of Representatives like we need a hole in the head. The Hon. Reps should be housed in St. Elmo where they could argue and harangue to their hearts' content. The best design for Bieb Il-Belt is without any that that bestowed by the Knights.

Surely a creative artist such as Renzo Piano would not fish out the same plans devised in the 80s. And one must not be naïve either and assume that his designs would work for Valletta just because he is a famous architect. A Picasso painting would not blend inside the Sistine Chapel. If you know anything about the architect’s works, his favorite materials are steel, glass and sometimes concrete. In fact his most noted work has been said that it "turned the architecture world upside down” for it broke down the concepts of what a façade should look like. Hence it is highly unlikely that Piano would make use of Maltese limestone as the main construction material, even in a city defined by its limestone built bastions and buildings.

One may argue that the buildings should reflect the times we live in, and to a certain extent I agree. It is wrong to rebuild another Barry Opera House. Its interiors should reflect today’s technology and functions; however the exterior should be sensitive to its surroundings and COMPLEMENT Valletta as a jewel of Renaissance architecture not STAND OUT! Let’s make this a new Renaissance, a new birth for Valletta!

I dont want to comment on piano's past plans. I just Hope that the project will be up to what the grand masters intended for Valletta. A city made by gentlemen for gentlemen. Valletta is a baroque city and that should be the style. It would then be like you have a house which is decorated classically but the door is modern and does not reflect what youare going to see inside.

@David Grima
I have seen the 20 year old Piano plans of Valletta, and there is NO glass involved. If I remember rightly, there is a wooden bridge and a wooden door, something resembling the style of Valletta. However, if he manages to blend the old with the new and it fits nicely why not? I don't think we should go for anachronism, simply building like it used to be; there are enough Roman forums in Malta built a year or two ago which does not blend with the baroque style , a case in point is the present "fascist" city gate and the "new" Roman style of the Law Courts built by the Nationalists in the 60's! As one can see, even the Nationalists are perveyours of the most crude hammalgni!

I am sure that this `erisen skeleton` of the past 20 years or so, is going to create a very big discussion, not only between all of our politicians, but MORE and RIGHTLY SO, between the Maltese and Gozitan Taxpayers alike..

So, first of all, let us ALL... TOGETHER.... have a mature and serious discussions on this project, as besides the huge cost this project is going to take from our taxes, it is also a project of a Life Time.

We must clearly put ALL of our cards on the table, without any hidden agendas attached, and after we are satisfied that every one had his/her say, and have some concrete suggestions, then let`s go for a Consultative Referendum...

This is nobody`s own project, but it`s the Maltese PEOPLE`s Project, and WE OWE IT TO OUR NEXT GENERATION...

Let`s hope that we don`t make a mess out of it...

The move to regenerate the eye sore that is Valletta’s entrance is commendable, however it is disappointing to see the government take the same approach taken 20 years or so ago! The opera house and city gate must not be not be taken in as a solitary structures, for in an urban environment all buildings form a cohesive entity which gives character and defines the town or city.

One must decide what we want the core character of Valletta to be. Is Valletta a 16th Century fortified city defined by its early Mannerist and later Neo-Classical exteriors and Baroque interiors… or is it a dynamic city full of modern examples of avant-garde structures? Do we really want a Georges Pompidou made of glass, steel and plastic as the most imposing landmark in Valletta?

Although Renzo Piano is highly competent in his field, I strongly feel that his style does not complement the renaissance surroundings, and one should strive for plans that are more harmonious and respectful to Valletta’s past. This could be comparable to replacing a Venetian Palace on the Grande Canal with a glass and steel structure!

G. Psaila...

keep things simple? been there, done that - didn't work. (hint: city gate...)

but isn't this just splendid. my taxes are going towards what may look like a permanent construction site, dubbed as "art". what's wrong with grand baroque, as our city originally was?....it was done a few centuries ago, why can't it happen today?

i guess this piece of news may count as an early Christmas present from the government. well Bah Humbug.

Most major cities in Germany and Austria were virtually destroyed by Allied Forces action during WWII; as was the Opera House in Valletta.

With financial aid from the Marshall Plan, Germany and Austria rebuilt their cities a long time ago, and in the process, restored most of the buildings - especially public buildings and those of historic value - to their original appearance and function.

Why has it taken so long in Malta? Why is it that the plans for this once beautiful building are not to restore it to its original splendour and function, but to build a facility for government bureaucracy? Why is it that we Maltese seem to have no sense of value or respect for our historic heritage? Malta should have restored the Opera House to its original appearance and purpose many years ago. Malta still has an opportunity to do the right thing by rebuilding the Opera House as an opera house with funds from the EU, of which Germany - whose Luftwaffe destroyed the building - is a prominent member. It is time for our former enemies to help us restore this historic building to its original grandeur.

I am no expert myself, so I cannot quite comment on the suitability of having Mr Piano sign off our most important cultural restoration or modern reinterpretation of our long lost opera house. I can see why Mr Piano has been appointed as he is a world renowned architect...or so I read. I can only assess the govn't decision to appoint Mr piano once I see his plans and more importantly the finished product. Needless to say, I admire Dr. Gonzi for having the courage to do something with the site.....but if he gets this wrong....the reverberations on the party will last for years to come. Thus, at this stage, my only contribution to this article is to advice you to individually see with your own eyes what projects Mr Piano has been responsible for. You can see this on Wikipedia or following this link. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renzo_Piano ). Have a look and see if Mr piano is the talent who will do his cousins in the south cultural justice and give us pride and joy into something we lost a long time ago.

It is very positive that we have finally taken a decision to fill the gap or gape in our magnificent city.
I completely agree that a foreign architect should design this project and Renzo Piano is a good choice.
Local architects would have benn tainted with political colours.
Piano will surely concentrate on the technical ans aestethic side of things and not succumb to local emotions.
Let us see the project first before we start to shoot it down! Of course there will be costs. I surely do not think that ourlocal buys would have done it for free. I am also sure that a few of our local boys will still get their finger in the pie; the crust as well as the filling.
Fl-ahhar wasalna
joe the plumber

Egregio Sig.Piano,
Per favore disegni qualcosa che non avra costi elevatissimi di mantenimento.
Non siamo molto ricchi qua.:-)
Grazzie e tanti saluti

Although the news to redevelop this site is positive and has been something that Valletta has needed for some time, I am somewhat disappointed that the project has been given to an ITALIAN architect. Although I am aware of Mr Piano's work, wouldnt it have been a nice gesture of the Maltese government that they appoint a Maltese architect to progress this project? and build a centre of which the Maltese people can be proud of!
It seems to me that consultation has been limited, but this is not just restricted to Malta. Worldwide, regeneration projects are undertaken and the key reason they fail is when people are not consulted in and involved in their design.
Couldnt Jimmy Magro's embryonic foundation contribute something to this? I take it they are meeting shortly.
To quote Borg below, "You can sum his work up in three words: TENTS, GREENHOUSES and SCAFFOLDING". A classically styled building would work better in the beautiful Valletta. What a insult to the Knights design it would be to have a postmodern carbuncle! Mr Piano, talk to and listen to the Maltese people. Its their taxes paying for the building and it is their capitol!

Since a Parliament House has to have a square from where one could address the crowds, the most suitable place to built one is the “Main Guard”, with a façade not much different from the President’s palace. If I remember well, this was already put forward by one of our former Prime Ministers, perhaps it was Dr. E. Fenech Adami. That’s the best place for a Parliament Building facing President’s palace.
Official activities will be concentrated in the centre of the capital. There is enough space, particularly if the Italian Cultural centre is relocated somewhere else.
The space occupied by the former Royal Opera House can accommodate an art centre different from the one in St.James’ Cavalier, even transferring some of the Education activities of the Conference Centre. There are surely other activities that are more suitably held in the hearth of the Capital, not just on its side streets or nearly outside its boundaries.

Piano's designs would have been more suitable for Smart City.

Once Renzo Piano`s first plans have been discarded I believe that the choice for this architect should have been be dropped for Santiago Calatrava whose architectural ideas are more interesting, thrilling and relevant to our times.
His works also seem to perfectly blend and fit to the environment more than Piano`s structures do. Though he may not yet be familiar to our city like Renzo Piano, this should not be a drawback for such a professional authority like Santiago Calatrava because he could easily work up for this minor defecit in a very short time.

Take a look at these buildings by Renzo Piano:

http://architecture.about.com/od/findphotos/ig/Renzo-Piano-Photos/

You can sum his work up in three words: TENTS, GREENHOUSES and SCAFFOLDING.

I was personally hoping for some beautiful and majestic building in harmony with the rest of Valletta - one that would stand on the existing ruins of the old opera house, so that these would serve as a reminder of the horrors of war.

But well, not that I come to think of it, Gonzi is right. Some scaffolding would fit in perfectly with all the building works that go on around us constantly. So Mr Piano, I hope you get your inspiration from your own Centre George Pompidou.

Something just like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pompidou_center.jpg

I totally agree with Mr Joseph Mangion. How many times have they said its going to be rebuilt and nothing happends???????? We have heard it all before!

Another STATE-OF-THE-ART project?!!!
Let's keep things simple and save precious funds in the process.

Forget arguing about uses, designs, aesthetics, architects, taxpayers etc. They're all irrelevant at this point in time......................WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. And in any case, there are FAR more important PRIORITIES to tackle.

Malta's money again being spent in studies and plan. Some concrete action with existing plans please!!!!!!!!!!

There were already extensive plans done for this project by Archictect Richard England. I remember seeing the beautiful facade which this architect had designed for the Opera House site - one can see these in his book which I believe was called Richard England: Architect as Artisit published in 2007. The way this architect managed to conceptualise the parliament building together with other cultural spaces in the old opera house site was very fitting for such a spot. The mix between materials: glass and stone whilst maintaining the facade in old style should not be forgotten or ignored. Take a look at the book to see what I mean.

I ask why weren't these considered, why go for a foreign architect, why not go for a consortium of Maltese architects if anything.

How about putting a lid over that monstrosity of the car-park, it is by far the biggest carbuncle which has defaced the entrance to this jewel of a city in the Mediterranean.

I am sure that Renzo Piano can remedy this eyesore by covering it up and landscape it as part and parcel of this project.

This long awaited project and in the case the Opera House is some 60 years overdue will certainly improve the entrance to our capital city, from the 3rd world city entrance that it is today and the idea to move the parliament into another opera house is very fitting!

That's consultation!! The Prime Minister calls the Leader of the Opposition on his mobile while attending Party business in Spain to tell him that the government has decided to bring over Renzo Piano to redesign City Gate! And the Prime Minister wants the Leader of Opposition to tell him YES SIR or else the government will start shouting that the Opposition is negative from head to toe! Shame!

I can't believe this country... first we grumble for years and years that no government managed to rebuild the operahouse and that the area is still in its shameful state. And now because Dr Gonzi got the courage to do something about it, 75% of the comments are negative ranging from comments saying that more money from taxpayers thrown in the garbage, to the usual sceptics about modern architecture... (when no plans have been shown yet).

can we for once leave fanatic politics out of the picture and act as one undevided country? rebuilding the opera house is a major advantage to our city, plus, we would have the palace to house more museums to show off our culture... Let us not just grumble but think, and look on the bright side of things!!!

Why not fix what we already have (like..... i don't know..... for example....... OUR ROADS!!), before spending 80 million Euros on a carnival building which has architecturally nothing to do with the rest of the city?

Priorities should be revised big time.

Can someone enlighten me why a competition wasn't made among MALTESE architects and the public given a share in the decision as to who would be chosen!?
Since these funds are coming out of the Maltese coffers, then the least we expect is to have our say as to which design befits OUR city entrance.

But then again i wake up and realise that we common mortals cannot have any say in these decisions and the agrement has already been reached.

May i congratulate Renzo Piano who shall utilise some of his Junior Architects (he employs many of these) and be paid an architects fee 3-10% in the process! Not a small fee considering that the government projects spending EUR 60-80M which shall in all probability cost EUR120M considering the way these projects are run with variation orders.

Had we employed a Maltese Architect, we would at least be proud of the design in that it was done by a Maltese.

Oh well, some things never change!

This is the usual tactic. When the government is with his back to the ball he revamps this project for the millionth time. New designs and then everything will go on the shelf again like that time with Richard England. .............aljenazjoni kollha din ghaziz poplu. Kompli ghaziz Gvern tmejjel bin-nies!

well I dont want to sound negative but I think the timing of this is all so wrong, How can you expect people ( I mean the popolin not some eccentric fat cat ) to be enthusiastic about this when the country is so broke and the goverment is taxing us otherwise enemalta goes bankrupt. I mean how can you ask people for more money when we are already have the worst spending power in europe. Or this is just wishfull thinking like all the factories that where opening here before last election and never came , a bit of bzar fl ghajnejn so the commoners forget about their everyday misery and struggle with bills and taxes. sorry I forgot Malta is the only country in EU not facing a cisis so let keep on spending. The solution is give this sites on long lease to responsabile Business people let them restore them and bring them back to life...

Kif jaljenaw lill Gahan Malti !

Thinking about it the old Opera House is the right place for Parliament.
Didn't Gonzipn himself talk a lot about theatrics?
Suits them fine.

If approved, the project should be given NOT to RENZO PIANO, who is good for the world, but not good enough for MALTA, but to those MALTESE "periti", who ( with the approval of "reformed "MEPA) are responsible -for the last 20 years- of littering the islands with the concrete match boxes, so that they could make a quick buck! We should engage , especially the architects of TIGNE, and Ex Hilton, who managed to build hundreds of ugly concrete match-boxes, in a small area! But most of all, we should thank the University of Malta, who is capable of churning out "periti" by the dozens, all laughing their way to the bank, whilst the rest of us out cry out in shame! Like Dante, I would say most of them should be delivered to the bottom chamber of hades!

Ha Ha Ha HA HA HA HA
as tears roll down my face, I honestly don't know if I should laugh or cry. Every two years or so the PN promises to bring the old Opera House back from the dead. BUT NOBODY, NOBODY COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD, EXCEPT THE PN WHO IS A DEAD PARTY BUT SOMEHOW MANAGES TO WIN ELECTIONS BY FOOLING THOUSANDS.

Minister Gatt says that we have to fork out 55million Euros debt to Enemalta?
Then Prime Minister says that we are going to fork out 60 -80 million (+ or +) to rebuild city gate,etc......where is the money coming from....
How come no mention was made during the budget speech.......also prime minister met Renzo Piano and nobody knows!!!!

Here we go again, Government says that opposition was consulted. This is theway to do consultation, telling the opposition what has already been decided. Another steam roller effect.

Are we going to have new plans or the old ones are going to be resurrected.

I'm in favour of a public discussion on this project.

One thing i noticed is that the Prime Minister said that this is a national project and hoped the oppossition will compliment. What about the W&E tarrifs and other things which are national importance.......

Dear editor...how come the oppositions response wasn't included with the same article as usual.....as i couldn't find it any where!!!!

The Government should set the priorities right. There are many infrastructural projects which have been kept pending for years and have now become very urgent, some are the reconstruction of most of our remaining dilapidated roads, the upgrading of most of our substandard tourist bathing areas, the general un-cleanliness of the built and unbuilt environment, etc., In view that we are to face an economic slow down in the forthcoming year, the government should limit his spending and be very cautious against any project overruns We can’t afford to have another Mater Dei scenario, whereby the people ended up forking out their hard-earned cash for this grossly financially mismanaged project. The Government should postpone such projects until the country’s finances are sound and during which there is a budget surplus. A bona pater familia would stop overspending if the family finances are in the red, and the government should preferably invest where it benefits the country’s economy most, such as heavy investment in alternative energy resources, lowering the tax burden on low and middle income earners, reduce government wastage and beurocracy, increase salaries and pensions to cope with the cost of living and the high water & energy tariffs.

It seems that quite a few Thousands will be going down the drawn again! I mean hasn't the Piano played a fine tune some years ago, when he was engaged by the Govt. and paid a very large sum? What happened? Zilg, nothing, Piano smiling and we the Tax payers grumbling, as usual, because a lump of our taxes had been taken away from us. Just for some pieces of papers [plans]

@ kevin Zammit

So you are basic your opinion on that of one Italian friend? I would say you would have more credibility if it was your own opinion. At least you could defend your opinion and perhaps tell us all why.

GonziPN 2008 Christmas present. 80 millions euros -PLUS MANY MORE - from public funds. What a shame.

Renzo Piano ??? Unbelievable. I am sure original plans of the old theater are available somewhere. Maybe while we are at it we should also change the old wooden window shutters at Castillia into new aluminum, this will blend in very nicely !!!! wake up and smell the coffee.

Put the the site as it was built. Leave the city of Valletta as it was,and if you want a house of Parliament do it at Ta,Qali

It would be very nice to see the opera house site and city gate rebuilt, but at the moment when most of the people are struggeling to make ends meet, I dont want my taxes to be spent on a project that we can not afford at the moment. The people should come first, then the buildings. And I am sure that there are a lot of talented Maltese architects around that could make these designs, but then again it would cost less...

Why throw away millions of taxpayer's money away to Renzo Piano? (again?) There are many Maltese architects and master builders who can rebuild this UNESCO World Heritage Baroque Capital City Gate, and the theatre (at least on the outside) as they were, as opposed to some STARGATE.

I believe that if the Valletta City Gate were to be rebuilt, the Maltese people should be able to choose any one of the three (Laparelli, Dingli, or Thompson's) historically correct gates.

Hilarious, if there wasn't the video I would have thought this article was re-released by mistake... from the time when Malta was on a spending spree....

someone had even threatened the Gonzi admin that rebuilding the opera house as a parliament would be "the last miserable act of his miserable government".... I won't mention any names.

and we wasted money on plans by Richard England then? To now make no use of them!

If it is going to be the House of Representatives it should resemble the European Parliament and not as it is today the MPs sit on two opposite sides, but a semi-circle and there should be a place for other political groups, like the Alternattiva and the Alleanza Liberali, and why not Alleanza Nazzjonali.

A complete waste of time and above all MONEY. We all know that this would not fix to the 80million euro. I guess it would be rounded up to 200million euro when complete. Furthermore, why waste money for this project when the country has other items which should be put higher on the agenda including cleaning Malta, Roads infrastructure, Tourism and the general economy which seems to be on the decline. In addition, the move of the parliament to the Old Opera House, whilst from a tourism perspective to promote the Palace may sound good, on the other hand I would rather prefer to have an Opera House which can host cultural events rather a parliament for an over-populated members, if I ever had to support the project. No matter what, I hope that this would not be turned into a political war as usual and as what has happened for the past 20 years each time that this project was put on the agenda.

I am sure that the building contractors will be happy with this mega project. In this way they would not have to sack their workers due to the decline in the building industry. In turn, they can sponser gonzi pn in the next election!

Let's hope that Renzo Piano's designs would complement and not offend our city's architecture.

The Times 14.10.2004

“The government wants to relocate Parliament to the old opera house in Valletta, which would be rebuilt, though not in the same style, if Cabinet approves the proposal. Jesmond Mugliett, the Minister for Urban Development, said yesterday the project was in the design stage and its financial feasibility under study.”

Sounds great to me

What about removing those govt flats at the entrance over bking?

Why the design will be entrusted to Renzo Piano, haven't we got architects, why should we use a foreign one...... we have got thousands of architects in malta or the government is telling them that they aren't capable.....

ok he has experiance from previous projects but where is the so called fiducja fil-poplu to entrust local talent.....

Who said that we not a country of experts!! I counted at least 67 different opinions within a few hours after the Prime MInister gave his press conference. Who says that there is no consultation between the government and its people? Very soon we'll get the opposition's opinion together with all other minor parties and interested NGO's. This govt. has guts and is not afraid of criticism. Nowadays we have all the chance to express ourselves and so some people do not hesitate to speak their minds--even if they do not know a thing about the subject.

An Italian friend of mine who had been to the corinthia bab afriaa hotel in tripoli called it "a jewel in a dustbin".

Fine you the politicians want a jewel of a house of parliament but around you is becoming if not already is a dustbin. I walk through the streets of Valletta and cannot take the dereliction, neglect and deterioration. Yet we want to have Renzo Piano build a house of parliament!!!

Give us back the gate as it was originally designed and meant to be ... clean up and fix the city ... change that pathetic rent law at least for Valletta so that building owners can have an incentive to fix those apartments ... then and only then can you have the temerity of spending our money on a new house for yourselves!

Should this project come to fruition, it will be the first time in Maltese history that Parliament will sit in a purpose-built House, coincidentally the idea of a former Speaker of the House.
However, given the needs of a modern Parliament, including its committees, I very much doubt that the small site previously occupied by the Royal Opera House will allow space for both Parliament and cultural activities (and underground parking form the MPs and staff I hope!) . My feeling is this will only be a House of Parliament - certainly better than the hole we have had for 60 years.

It is a good thing that a decision will be taken about this site. One hopes that there will be a consultation process that reaches a general concensus for such an important site and at such cost . As J. Grima commented it would be a very good idea to incorporate a public library within the cutural centre part of this building.

The Malta Library and Information Association MaLIA http://www.malia-malta.org/ recently proposed this idea of a state of the art cultural centre / public library in Valletta on this same site. Malta needs a good public library in a central and readily accesible location. The idea is being promoted through a press release, an i-petition and a Facebook group all accessible through its web-site at http://www.malia-malta.org/. Check this out and show your support..

With much and great respect that I have for Renzo Piano,however I do still insist that we must have given him something else,an adventurous project where he can explode his creativity, by that we wont lose his talented opportunity !

The City gate,should have been restored to it’s original interpretation since there is an archeological memory of it.

After the rebuilding of the Dresden Frauenkirche baroque Cathedral with great satisfaction, in 2002, the German parliament agreed to demolish the brutal Walter Ulbricht’s communist building in favor of having reconstructed the royal Prussian Palace, residence of Frederick 1'st the Berlin’s Stadtschloss (Imperial Palace) to be rebuild again on the same site as it once stood before the communist edifice.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,478279,00.html

And since the Germans are capable to restore their glorious past image, why we cannot?

Obviously to compliment the holistic project, those brutal socialist flats, greeting visitors into the city should make space for another piazza adjacent the piazza Helsien rendering a majestic piazza adorned with 2 splendid fountains reminiscent of the great European opulent squares.

What a perfect time to pay 80 million from our taxes! Let the utility bills rise, let petrol and diesel prices rise, let vehicle licenses rise, leave VAT at 18%, do not employ much needed nurses, keep wages low, let professionals leave the island.... but please do rebuild the opera house!

No doubt about it, Dr Gonzi looks after the politicians, especially himself and his friends. First he gives his discarded ex-Ministers a golden handshake. Then he gives all present Ministers and PS's a €280 per week increase and now he is giving all members a new Parliament building. And we as common people are regaled with taxes, taxes and more taxes. That's Christian Democracy for you.

I do applaud the goverment's courage to actually put on some sort of 'reality track' a dream that has haunted the Maltese nation for as long as I can remember. However, I am inclined to give the idea the thumbs down. This is not me just naysaying for the sake of being negative. Say we had the cash to spare and indeed we do something about the opera house, the original function of the site would have been the perfect gift to the Maltese public; a theatre/opera house. None of us think that in Malta there is some sort of architectural reference point when it come to drama production. We have to go to Gozo to witness some serious opera productions. I think a parliament building with annexed galleries does not constitute a checked tick box for a cultural city. I cannot understand how that argument could be spun and possibly take off. A theatre would. London has the likes Royal Albert Hall, New York Broadway and Milan has La Scala. What is Valletta's reference point in terms of drama/theatre? Manoel or MCC? I think we can do better than that.

who cares about Renzo Piano!!!!! why not utilise our own architects , Why should we have some ridiculous opera prop as a building by a person whose tastes offends the whole aestetical surroundings?

When are we to learn ?

I DO NOT LIKE RENZO PIANO!!!

It is expected that such a project will raise a number of distinct opinions - and we have not seen the designs yet! However I guess that everyone agrees that such a prime site in a World Heritage Site deserves much better.

I wonder whether the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) were consulted prior to the direct appointment of Renzo Piano on this project! Why Renzo Piano? In recent years the KTP had brought over a number of excellent foreign architects to give talks and presentations in Malta in the series termed Architectural Nights. Is the direct choice of an architect in line with EU regulations? Should the design of an 80M project went out for an European design competition whereby local architects would have been given an equal opportunity to compete with other European architects?

What happened to the Master Plan for the area design by Richard England?

Does the PM know that the remains of the Opera House have been scheduled by MEPA with a Grade 2 protection last March? Are these going to be protected and integrated in the new design or will they be descheduled and get them removed?

Just some food for thought!

Perhaps those who have never attended a parliamentary sitting in person do not know that it is only a theatre. That is why this site is being chosen for our parliament.

So dear PM isn't this yet another alienation! Shouldnt' we be focusing on the international crisis. Convenience, convenience.

Last week I commented that Govt's priorities are upside down. Today I go one step forward,
Now, they have gone haywire sideways.
Without saying more than has already been said (quite a lot of it, some make sense and some make one cry!
But of one thing I am totally convinced: just 4 years to rebuild the Opera House site AND City Gate? Yet another Maltese tragic comedy !
Please, I am too old to laugh that much - my sides are splitting !!

Well done Dr.Gonzi. Keep a close watch on this project as you did in the last phases of Mater Dei and I am sure the project will be done within the set time frame and at no extra costs. Discussions yes BUT no unnecessary delays! Those who put spokes in the wheels will only harm Malta and its economy. One could easily distinguish the genuine ideas from the usual "gemgem". Go on Dr. Gonzi, there's no time to lose.

Shoot me now if this is not a planned political move. When we are all talking about the ill-planned Ghadira road, the water/electricity bills, the fracas in the Trade unions, the Data Protection scandal etc etc out comes the old debate straight out of the hat. No mention in the budget and an 80 million euro tag thrown in just for kicks Meanwhile, every time the unions utter a word about an increase, out comes Tonio saying where is the money coming fron?? I really pity the Maltese people continually being taken for ride but then I remember that this is not the first time, not the second , not the third..................................

Sure!! This top most thing in our priority list!

FL-AHHAR!!! We are going to have a masterpiece of Renzo Piano in Malta... Something REALLY worth the money!

Fl-ahhar qed indahlu naqa sens f'Malta!

It will be a big mistake if the Opera House won't be built to its original plan at least on the outside. Future generations will criticize any plans especially if they are based on modern design.

Built the theatre as it was - it was a gem.

I wish and hope the Opposition will push for building the exterior on the same style as it was and that they organize a campaign to achieve such goal.

Can some one post the website of Renzo Piano please, so we can see the drawings of the Opera House and the City gate.

Tipiku PN. Il-bierah DR Gonzi qal li l-PL qieghed jaljena l-poplu billi jorganizza il Konferenza Generali Straordinarja. Nahseb li huwa qieghed jaljena l-poplu billi jipprova jaghmel dak li ma rnexxilux jaghmel f-25 sena li ilu fil poter il-partit Nazzjonalista. Dahk fil-wicc dejjem twieghdu 'Long Term".

Tipikament PN.

HELLO!!!!! Can't you all see that this is another gimmick. Long time ago this same govt. raised this issue paid half a million malta liri to the same architect and nothing happened. We maltese are just a bunch of idiots. Why don't you all argue about the water and electricity bills you will be recieving soon instead.

JUST DO IT!

@ Micheal Fenech

A House of Representatives is not only paid by the public but also belong ot the public.

In some Communist Country that our former Leaders where Cozy, Cozy with, in years by, where a House of Representative is not only paid by the Public, but in turn is out of bounce to the Public.

Perhaps you are a Communist sympatiser, so I understand completely your statment.

At long last something is going to be done, I tend to agree that Parliament would be better use of land that trying to rebuild the Opera House. Too much time has past since it was destroyed therefore there is no room for sentiment. As far as City Gatesd are concerned I do hope that Renzo Piano design is ympathic with the surrounging architecture unlike the current never finished pile of stones. It is worth remembering that the Opera House was destroyed during war, the City Gates were destroyed in peace time by us!! I watched with interest Mr Gonzi's statement, I do hope that this project will be carried out, in recent weeks we have had Ministerial statements and comments of Fort St Elmo and St John's. I do hope that urgent projects are not played against one another.

This is good news that finally the Royal Opera House problem shall be addressed to and I am all for it.
However three small and very important details.
1.Renzo Piano
He should keep with the style of Valletta, no avant garde style but he has to follow the guidelines that (I hope) would be the main points of the contract that shall be drawn up by the PUBLIC, not a selected and selective board. No egocentric design, please!
2. Looking back at the track record of the Government,where public buidlings are concerned-which is poor and dismal- it has to be honest enough to keep it's word on the four year timeline. Something that would not convince the majority of the people as the opinion would be that it shall be more then that as there shall be logistical problems involved.
3. The money is coming from public funds. Which public funds is the Prime Minister implying? Another tax maybe? Can the Prime Minster specify this, perhaps in the next sitting?
I am very curious to know.

Giving life to the Opera house, this is awesome!!... but come on I agree with John azzopardi, the opera house should in all its entirety belong to the people...

This topic has been ongoing for about 60years now. It would have been nice to see the opera house again. It was a magnificent building, a marvel to our capital.

But the opera house was never to be built, lots of churches were damaged in the war and all were rebuilt. The old opera house is like some of the auberges that were ruined in WW2 and were never rebuilt (like the one that stood instead of the Law Courts and the GWU building). This is the scar that was left to Malta.

One question i ask is if we really need a new theater? One must think how much of use it would be to today's life. We already got loads of "theaters" (like the old powerhouse, manoel, mfcc etc) They are part of the present Malta, and although not as spectacular as the old opera house they are what we are.

I think that this architect has a lot of potential to offer to Valletta and we have to wait and see what he comes up with.

@marian pace

Capital projects in recession times can stimulate the economy. This announcement is welcome by any measures although I hope that the Government truly incorporates some cultural and recreational aspects in this project. The water and electricity tariffs merit a separate debate and cannot be put on the same equation on such an issue. The Government should be criticized on the lack of capital investment and projects and not on on the adoption of such an initiative..

It seems impossible and we will never have a consensus on anything in this country thus calls for consultations are only a project delaying exercise.

At long last something is going to be done, I tend to agree Parliament would be a better use of the land than trying to rebuild the Opera House. Too much time has now passed since it was destroyed therefore there is no room for sentiment. As far as City Gates are concerned I do hope that Renzo Piano design is sympathetic with the surrounding architecture unlike the current never finished construction. It is worth remembering that the Opera House was destroyed during war, the City Gates were destroyed in peace time by unfortunately us! With interest I watched Mr Gonzi's interview I hope he meant that this project will be carried out, in recent weeks we have had Ministerial statements on Fort, St Elmo and comments on St John's project. I hope that urgent projects are not played against one another.

"Renzo Piano will draw up new plans".
What happened to the plans already drawn up years ago?? So money was spent for nothing??!!

Let's get on with this project and stop with the endless discussion processes. We've had these before and they all got us nowhere. It's now time for the government to take a decision and get on with it. We will never have a consensus on this subject in this country.

If my personal finances do not afford a car, a holiday, a house renovation etc etc, I simply don't do it.
I agree with Marian Pace, except for the resign. This Government freely won a 5 year mandate, let it be.
However pls cool down the arrogance.

This is country is so sad.

When the Mater Dei hospital, Smart City, the Oil Exploration and the Opera house projects were announced by the government, some people start mocking them as "they are in time for the next election'' which can easily be translated to ''oh no PN will win the next election again''.

I mean, it seems that politics is affecting some people so bad that even the good things cant be appreciated.

Sad.

Oh yes a new talking shop. Just what we needed. While the road network is falling to bits.

Dr Gonzi said the project, costing between €60m and €80m will be paid for from public funds
if ever there was an ill timed project this just has to be it. we are on the verge of a recession and what has not been done in more than 60 years is about to happen! incredible.
and renzo is in for another check.

So the PN Government has dusted the Renzo Piano files from their layers of decades of dust and brought them out for consideration again. Better 20 years late than never.

Will we have a chance to give the green lights (or otherwise) for this project by means of a referendum?

I'm all in favour of getting Renzo Piano involved in this but do we really need a new House of Parliament? What percentage of this €60m project will be open to the public and what percentage will be taken up by restricted areas only the politicians will enjoy?

At last......after years and years of hesitation, a decision has been taken. I look forward to see Piano's plans finally come to fruition.

@ Joe Vella,

The House of Representatives is financed by the public, but that doesn't make a public place.

Bah Humbugs to most of you

Maltese Gemgem party

Why not building this site to its origin state ..Why our parlament will not decreased its members,and will move from the palace to another suitable building and leave this site to be rebuild similar as it was.
If we are going to involve Renzo, than we have a clear idea of what we are going to have, and surely this city built by the knights will have another monster ,like we had in building the city gate.
In my opinion,there have to be a public awarness about this delicate subject, and we have to look before we leap.
May our lord give some wisdom to our politicians,and try to respect those who built this gem in our city,maybe than we see some flowers growing in parlament

The Royal Opera House and City Gate on the agenda once again. To reconstruct both buildings it is a brilliant idea but I would like to see that both edifices will be built according to their original architecture. Many people feel that the reconstructed Royal Opera House should be used as an Opera House and in reality we need an Opera House in a UNESCO World Heritage City.

It is truly incredible how we are unable to keep from going off at a tangent. There are two main arguments here, not necessarily connected. One is that the site should be developed for the enjoyment by the public, not politicians. The second is that of course we should move the Renzo Piano project forward. We have lost far too much time already. The adoption of the Renzo Piano project does not have to translate itself into a Parliament House on the site of the former opera house, and it most definitely should not.

I will not go into into the opera house use itself. I feel that freedom square should be turned into a nice garden with a nice central fountain as a focal point. See Trafalgar Square London and Fontana di Trevi in Rome. We have a hot country and in my view there should be lots of more fountains all over the island. Valletta is to be enjoyed from the outside. More squares and open spaces please.

Dr. Gonzi should know better where to invest our money. This is outrageous to say the least, taking public funds and making use of them in such an irresponsible manner. Where are our priorities? Have we lost our minds?

As an EU member state, Malta cannot continue adopting the same practices of the past, even in case of the Parliament. Challenges to Maltese parliament increased because of more legislation coming from Brussels. The new building designs must think about providing better working environment for MPs and staff in order to make sure that Malta is not losing from this EU experience. However, the main challenge is not only the building. The biggest change must be in terms of mentality, especially through better working practices in Parliamentary Committees and the Plenary and the provision of staff to Members of Parliament for their preparations. Moreover, this building must make it easier for the media to report and make research about this important institution. Therefore, the new building is an opportunity to improve our democratic practices. However, the biggest change must be in terms of working practices.

We were given the impression that the government needed to increase the water & electricity tariffs in order to finance the extension of the power station, change meters etc. etc., since there was no other way to raise the funds.
That was understandable but now out of the blue we have €80m to spare and to spend on the opera house.
WOW, we reallly know how to have our priorites in order!!!
And why all this attachment with Renzo Piano? I am sure there are many architects which are as good or better.

Would have preferred if it was turned into a much-needed library but it's a relief to know that something is going to be done.

And i hope that they do realise that cubism is now passé...

Can only find one word for this news. Farsa!! So we are on the verge of a recession, the financial and future situations for a number of businesses is quite blurred, ppl are being ordered to pay extra charges for water and electricity tariffs and what does government do, it proposes a plan to take more money from the ppl to built a new parliament. Some more words that came to mind while writing this comment:Ridiculous!! No Vision!! Repetitive!! Useless!!! Crazy!!! Irresponsible!!!, ah yet another one: RESIGN

"Shall we at least listen to and see first what his genius has to offer Malta?"

Mr. Attard, we already listened to what he had to say some years ago. His proposal was a minger.

Incredible. Some people simply cannot discuss a project proposal without prejudice.

Can we at least trust the competence of Renzo Piano of acknowledged international fame and exceptional track record. He has made famous every project that he undertook.

Shall we at least listen to and see first what his genius has to offer Malta?

Are we going to do again what we have done with his plans some years ago?

Goodness gracious me!

Whatever use let's just hope that these projects will not be surrounded by controversy like all other projects but i have little hope this would not happen judging by the Ghadira road project! May i ask how long will the plans take to be designed,published, approved by MEPA(!!!) tenders issued and adjudicated, awarded,constructed and finished? Judging from experience, the four year time limit is far fetched unless a miracle happens all along the time frame.

@Elizabeth Cassar,

"Most European cities have a Parliament House which is a landmark in the city. Why should not we have our own?"

Because we already have one.

Judging from Government's track record this project will probably cost some Euro300M (Mater Dei as an example).

This 80M should be used to cut down the waiting list at the hospital and reduce the sufferring of Maltese citizens.

As for the building of the Opera House, we should ask the German government to pay for it. The Libyans managed to get funds from the Italians....I do not see why we cannot demand this from the Germans!!

Isn’t the Palace good enough to house the Parliament? Why move it?

Why not join the Opera House site to Freedom Square, and build one big garden, for a change? By garden I mean a *real* garden, with soil, grass and trees and shade, not a "garden" with tiles and concrete and plastic and fancy lighting. Now *that* would be eco-friendly, rather than building yet another building with poor materials and poor ventilation and with glass walls that let the rooms heat up, and then loads of air-conditioners to cool them down… and finally a couple of solar-panels to make it "eco-friendly".

ALLELUIA !!! Finally !!
Getting rid of Parliament from the Palace would mean that the Armoury can return to its original place..

And we will finally backtrack on one of our nation's greatest errors in recent history - that of throwing the Renzo Piano proposals out of the window....

I want to ask Mr Gonzi one question, can you tell us from where are you going to bring the money for this project please?

If you enter renzo piano's site you will have a fright.... It does not look much that the opera house will be restored but a modern building will be built.

Arrogance.
No public conultations or tenders.... Is this Legal???

four-year timeline... just in time for next elections! Let's hope it will not be another mater dei...

No way, The Opera house should be restored and used to house operas, concerts, whatever but not the parlament.

We need a referendum in the next local council elections re the opera house site.

We decide not the government

Great news indeed. Most European cities have a Parliament House which is a landmark in the city. Why should not we have our own?

Firstly, I hope that the opera house is built in the same architectural style and grandeur as before. This will really leave a lasting impression on any tourists entering the capital. (No fancy architecture please). Secondly, I agree with Mr. Azzopardi, such a place hould be left for the citizens of Malta to enjoy. It should be a recreational space similar to the excellent work done at St. James Cavalier.

What? To house the Parliament? Aren't are we having budget deficit problems, how come we're going to find millions for a new Parliament, and in the Opera House!? I imagine it will be another state-of-the-art project. I would rather see millions spent for the good of all Maltese rather than for a select few, the Opera House site should be a national project for everyone!

@ John Azzopardi

Parliament represents us the people, or have I got it wrong?

@ John Azzopardi

A House of Representatives (Parliament Building) is a Peoples House.

I disagree with Mr Azzopardi. In that way, the Magisterial Palace is fully opened to the public. Bring on Renzo Piano - we need some brilliant architect in this country after languishing for so long with mediocre architects or architects constrained by the overly-tight purse-strings of construction companies only interested in profits rather then aesthetics.

i agree john, we already gave a big part of a recreation land to the American embassy , what about they built , and use as an arts museum or even another performing theatre.

About time that we think about the one and only place that i guess every fellow that comes to Malta goes by!!!

No! The opera house should be for the public not for politicians