Owen Bonnici is fine with cafes in historic buildings - if done right

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has no issue with historic spaces being converted into cafes if done properly, amid plans to open a Starbucks cafe in an Mdina palazzo.

Asked about the proposal, Bonnici clarified that he would only speak in general terms and not about the specific plans for Mdina because the superintendence of cultural heritage (which he politically oversees) is yet to give its opinion on the matter.

“Speaking generally, it depends on the way in which the changes are carried out,” he said.

“I don’t exclude the idea of having a private operator using a historic building to make a profit. Like many people, I go abroad, and I’ve had coffees in old castellos, and it’s an enjoyable experience.”

Bonnici said he could understand that this case was perhaps more controversial because it’s a Starbucks instead of a cafe with a “historic narrative”.

“Still, I leave that to the authorities not to influence their deliberations,” he said.

db Group is planning to convert the ground floor of Palazzo Santa Sofia into two coffee shops – a Starbucks and the UK cafe brand EL&N.

A spokesperson for db told Times of Malta that both brands had “experience working within historic settings” and that the outlets would be “designed specifically for this location”.

The addition of yet another two catering outlets should be flatly dismissed- FWA chairperson Mario Farrugia

The plans include restoring the building’s facade.

A spokesperson for db Group said the cafes would be designed “in full respect of Mdina’s historic and cultural context, as well as its strict planning laws, and will include only discreet external signage”.

Palazzo Santa Sofia, located opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, is thought to date back to at least the 13th century, with the date 1233 etched above a window, according to the Mdina local council website.

The Grade 1-scheduled two-storey palazzo spanning two buildings is believed to be one of the oldest in Malta and features Gothic medieval architecture, interior courtyards and a passageway across a public road connecting the two halves of the building.

Since the Planning Authority application was made public, scores of people have filed objections against the proposal, including heritage NGO Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, which said they were “shocked by the plans.”

In a statement last week, FWA chairperson Mario Farrugia pointed out that Mdina has been “over-commercialised” in recent years and this has “sadly degraded its unique medieval and once-silent character”.

“The addition of yet another two catering outlets in this very special building should be flatly dismissed,” Farrugia said.