Dwejra interpretation centre

The article entitled 'NGOs disheartened over Dwejra structure approval' (The Sunday Times, March 21) and accompanying photo of the existing skeleton structure may have given the impression that the Dwejra interpretation centre that was approved on March 18 does not vary from the structure shown in your photo. This is not the case.

Subsequent to the assembling of the concrete structure shown in your picture, and which currently stands at Dwejra, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had halted the development as this varied from the original permit for a number of reasons.

The applicant resubmitted an application with significant changes to the design of the entire interpretation center and its ancillary facilities. This redesign includes the removal of the entire upper floor structure that was effectively built at street level. Thus the structure above street level will effectively now be reduced by 50 per cent. Moreover, the applicant now restricted the catering element in the proposal to the use of the roof level as an open air catering facility. Shade for the outdoor facility will be provided by means of a removable wooden canopy.

The fabrics of the structure to be used externally have also changed allowing the holistic redesign of the structure to blend in more with the surrounding environment.

The Mepa board approved these amendments to the original permit for the construction of an interpretation centre because the Dwejra Heritage Park needs facilities that can enhance the experience of visitors to this area and provide them with sanitary facilities. At the same time, all possible measures have been taken to significantly reduce the impact that this structure will have on the surrounding environment.

Editor's note: The article in question gave no such impression. It reflected the present and future state of affairs.