Pedestrian access around the new Parliament building will not be completely barred after all, as police will exercise their discretion on which areas may be left open to the public, according to the Speaker, Anġlu Farrugia.

Dr Farrugia was commenting in the wake of the controversial decision announced on Monday to bar entry beneath the building and possibly in other areas around its perimeter, after police raised security concerns.

The decision was criticised as it went against the whole concept of allowing free public access beneath the new Parliament, which world-renowned architect Renzo Piano intentionally designed on stilts.

Speaking during an onsite media briefing in the run-up to Monday’s official inauguration, Dr Farrugia said one area which would be accessible was a permanent exhibition showcasing Malta’s parliamentary history.

Located at the ground floor of the administration block, right next to the City Gate steps leading to the Central Bank, this space will also house a section for temporary exhibitions.

However, access to other parts of the building, such as the area beneath the other block, housing the plenary chamber, will be very limited, especially when Parliament is in session.

“Unfortunately, no preliminary risk assessment report was carried out when this building was being planned. This exercise was only carried out after,” Dr Farrugia said.

Sources told this newspaper that security would be provided by at least eight police officers round the clock, who would also man a control room with access to 28 security cameras.

Unfortunately, no preliminary risk assessment report was carried out when this building was being planned

Though its controversial design is fast becoming an architectural landmark, questions have been raised on whether functionality has been sacrificed for form.

On one hand, the building has state-of-the-art equipment and has been finished to unprecedented high standards.

However, many will be surprised to learn that during a storm parliamentarians will have to brave the rain to reach the plenary chamber from their office, as the bridge linking the two massive blocks is completely exposed to the elements.

In addition, MPs seeking a quick coffee in between sessions will have to go to the nearest bar or cafeteria for refreshments, as there are no such facilities.

As for the plenary chamber, which is the fundamental element of this project, space there comes at a premium.

While it can accommodate up to 80 MPs, designers had to create foldable desks after complaints that MPs could not fit in the expensive green designer chairs.

However, there are some interesting additions. The new set-up includes an indicator which will light red to warn MPs their talking time is up. Meanwhile, MPs who are not in the chamber will be able to follow proceedings from their offices through a live stream.

In the new chamber the public will be much closer to the action, as the Strangers Gallery is directly above the MPs. The visibility may suffer in some areas due to the tight spaces. The chamber can also accommodate up to 25 reporters and a number of experts, who may be called in to take part in plenary sessions.

As expected, the Office of the Prime Minister and that of the Opposition leader have been decorated to very high standards.

The administration building incorporates offices for Cabinet members, and separate common areas for government and Opposition MPs.

The Speaker’s Office is located at the very top of the block with a sizeable terrace enjoying breathtaking views of the surroundings.

The new Parliament is also equipped to host international conferences in the various committee rooms that can be conjoined to cater for large audiences.

The Speaker said that preparations were already under way to host an important Commonwealth conference.

Away from the public eye, right in between the two blocks, there is also a small garden at basement level, surrounded by parliamentary staff offices.

The move to the new building will also mean Parliament will have its own television channel for the first time. While this will be available to all Melita subscribers, the station will only be available through the Go platform on the interactive service.