'No decision' on City Gate

The Prime Minister said yesterday that the government has taken no decisions on City Gate and the current proposal on the table was the design by well-known architect Renzo Piano.

Dr Gonzi said that common sense dictated that in the context of the current debate on the redevelopment of the opera house site, one should also explore possibilities regarding City Gate.

As Prime Minister he felt it was part of his responsibility to ensure that the capital city had a welcoming entrance.

It was about time that the country said "let's do it" but one also had to seriously consider the financial implications.

He would also like to hear the opposition's views on City Gate and the opera house site.

In the case of the opera house site, one had to consider the annual running costs of the building which would be built there. Could the country afford another theatre or opera house? What would be the impact on the operation of the Manoel Theatre and the Mediterranean Conference Centre?