Feasibility study imminent

Over the coming days Architect Richard England is expected to pass on to Government preliminary studies for a future Parliament building together with a feasibility study on whether the former Opera House site provides sufficient area to house the Parliament requirements.

Professor England told The Sunday Times that his work has reached an advanced stage: "At the moment we have almost concluded the feasibility study together with layouts of space allocations and some aesthetic proposals."

Professor England said he was expected to pass on the report to Jesmond Mugliett, Minister of Urban Development and Roads, over the coming days: "I can tell you that the report will be presented within a week or so. Obviously, I am not in a position to divulge contents because my brief is to report to my client. Once the report is in Government's hands, it will be up to Cabinet to take a final decision."

Last month Mr Mugliett said Government wanted to relocate Parliament to the old Opera House site in Valletta, which would be rebuilt, though not in the same style, if Cabinet approves the proposal.

Speaking about his work, Professor England yesterday said he was examining whether the Opera House site is suitable in spatial terms to house the requirements of Parliament: "I am analysing whether from a logistics point of view the site could be used to accommodate Parliament. My report will also go into the costing of such a project."

He also confirmed that next week he will pass on some preliminary designs to government: "Yes, the report will also include ideas of the aesthetic treatment of the building. Let's say the preliminary designs will indicate in which direction the wind is blowing."

He added that the report was also expected to advise Government on which areas could be used for commercial purposes to help in the feasibility aspect of the project: "Obviously one has to take into account that the site also includes Freedom Square, a prime site of great commercial value as Government is very keen on having a good part of this area dedicated to cultural activities."

Commenting on the growing controversy in the media on his work and the possible aesthetics of the new Parliament building, Richard England said: "First of all, of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, however, my opinion is that it is a bit premature to criticise the possible designs of the new project as these are still in the early stages and nothing is yet finalised to form an opinion on. Obviously, everyone has their own perception of what my designs could possibly look like but as yet it is still very premature."

It is estimated that if Parliament were to be built on the site formerly occupied by the Opera House this would cost, together with the development of Freedom Square, about Lm20 million, including underground car park spaces under both the Opera House site and Freedom Square.

Government is saying that although it has not yet taken a final decision, siting the House of Representatives there seemed to be the most viable of all projects that have been considered. Government is also convinced that it would find private entrepreneurs willing to fund such a project.