A proposal for Opera House and City Gate

The entrance to Valletta has been the subject of much discussion and controversy for 60 years. Once again it is at the forefront of speculation. There may now be a resolve on the part of the authorities to at last address the issue.

However, it is the use of the building that is causing most concern. It appears that the government wants it for their Parliament. Apart from some politicians it seems that no one agrees. Indeed the proposal is arrogant and insensitive and serves only to please our already well cosseted MPs.

A Parliament will contribute not one cent to the public purse. A theatre would! From the correspondence in the media it is clear that the majority of people want a theatre and what is more they are very happy with Barry's original design. So if this is what people want and as the politicians are elected and paid to give the people what they want, why do they not accept the fact and get on with it?

There is no need to squander and speculate millions on Mr Piano's designs when Barry's are already on file.

But there is more to it than just re-building the Opera House. The City Gate, the bus station and the fountain area all need attention. Here is a suggestion.

Flatten the existing ruins. Rebuild the Opera House according to Barry's design but turn it through 90 degrees so that the entrance faces City Gate.

Make it longer and wider - this will provide the backstage facilities that are lacking in Barry's design. Create a new square opposite the police station. Landscape a smaller Freedom Square and create a café culture with licensed buskers. Decorate City Gate with a three-dimensional frieze depicting the 4,000 year history of Malta - a lesson in history to our children and a monument to the resilience and determination the Maltese people.

Move the bus station and create user friendly bus bays. Clear all bus stops and kiosks from the area on the Phoenicia side of the fountain. Pave it and create a new recreational arena where the carnival can be held as well as other cultural events. Put shops, cafés, toilets and operational centre for the buses and a canteen between the bridge and St James ditch. Make St James ditch a bus museum!

Line the bridge with trees and sheltered seating. Use solar panels wherever possible.

The next few years will see a rise in unemployment. The tourist trade will be severely hit. Now is the time to start work, while there is a ready and willing work force (there are a couple of thousand people eager and willing to start work at Marsa and at Ħal Far) The disruption to the public will be minimal during slack times. Start in October. Work 24 hours a day if necessary.

Parliament should go to St Elmo. It is logical, sensible and historically correct.