Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) welcomes the restoration of the existing conservatory and bird cage structures at San Anton Gardens, however the lack of clarity regarding the replacement stuctures leads to concern as to the final use of these enclosures. As a result of this uncertainty, the NGO has submitted an objection to the proposal.
The description of the proposed San Anton conservatory as 2 “multi-purpose halls” indicates an eventual commercial use of this structure for the holding of events or receptions. Such commercial uses would require amplified music and the transportation of catering supplies into the venue, which would cause great harm to the already damaged flagstone paths. As is the case with the Upper Barrakka, this could also lead to the closure of the garden during public access hours.
Such a development would also exacerbate existing traffic and parking problems in the area and would violate the Local Plan on Protection of Gardens, as it would generate noise and light pollution, destroying the very serenity that draws the public to this “oasis of peace”:
On the protection of gardens, the Central Malta Local Plan says that the Planning Authority will protect all gardens and open spaces within the designated area in order to safeguard their high townscape and landscape value. There will therefore be a presumption against the development of new buildings within the designated area.
This protective policy is fundamental for the proper conservation of Triq Sant Anton and the Sant Anton Gardens that are traditionally known for their high quality environmental value. The gradual development of these gardens would erode the distinctive environmental characteristic of the designated area.
The new structure is much higher than the existing conservatory, with the further addition of a central steeple-like structure that is significantly higher than the flanking building, FAA said. This marked departure from the original structure is not in keeping with the style of the garden, and in violation of the Cultural Heritage Act Chap 445, which says that Grade 1: Buildings of outstanding architectural or historical interest that shall be preserved in their entirety.
According to the provisions in the act, demolition or alterations which impair the setting or change the external or internal appearance, including anything contained within the curtilage of the building, will not be allowed; and any interventions allowed must be directed to their scientific restoration and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the existing conservatory structure is structurally divided into several chambers which has not been reflected in the new plans as the site is proposed to be a long hall divided by ‘foldable partitions’ into two multi-purpose halls with a space in between, FAA said.
The PA Design Advisory Committee has commented “The project description seems incomplete since the replacement use is not indicated”. In fact the documents provided are so limited that they do not met the minimum requirements for Urban Conservation buildings, let alone Grade 1 scheduled buildings, yet the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has deemed them sufficient to give the project its blessing as an ‘appropriate replacement’.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar calls on the Planning Authority to refuse this application for multi-purpose halls and urges the public email objections to [email protected] quoting PA 07539/23.
This government’s ‘business at all costs’ approach is destroying the cultural, social and heritage value of many of Malta’s public recreation and heritage sites, undermining their benefit, authenticity and appeal to residents and tourists alike. Most importantly, San Anton Gardens are a green oasis for the enjoyment of nature in peace, essential to the physical and mental health of residents, given that the surroundings are all built up.
This structure should be used as a conservatory to grow plants for San Anton Gardens, to provide facilities for horticultural education/research and promote the cultivation of indigenous plants, rather than underminging the dignity of of Malta’s presidential palace by more money-making projects, FAA said.