Open-air event venue

The debate on what is to be done with the opera house site has been going on for quite some time.

Everyone agrees that something has to be done to give some prestige to our capital city' entrance. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has stressed that after 60 years the site has to be rehabilitated.

However, there is one problem - financing. I agree that if the private sector is not roped in, the financial burden on the government would be substantial.

In the event of lack of funding, the government can restore what is left of the opera house, artistically light it up, put in a stage and some seating and there you are, an open-air event venue. The cost would be minimal and the place can be used to host events during summer. Imagine a Festival Bar session, the Jazz Festival or an open-air art exhibition greeting people entering Valletta.