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

(Adds comments by the Prime Minister)

The site of the former Opera House in Valletta is to be rebuilt to house the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced this evening. City Gate will also be rebuilt in a project which has a four-year timeline.

Dr Gonzi said City Gate and the new Parliament building will be entrusted to famous architect Renzo Piano who will draw up new plans. The Parliament building will also house a cultural centre with a separate entrance.

The details were given at a press conference at the Auberge de Castille.

The Royal Opera House was destroyed by enemy action in the evening of April 7, 1942 and has since defied repeated commitments to its rebuilding.

Dr Gonzi said the project, costing between €60m and €80m will be paid for from public funds. Existing shops within the Opera House ruins will be relocated.

He said the Palace will continue to house the offices of the President but the ground floor will also house museums.

The Labour Party in a reaction urged the government to hold a public consultation on the project (see separate story).