The Labour Party yesterday launched a policy paper on the protection of the historic environment.

The paper suggests the creation of a research institute to publish, coordinate and develop research on all aspects regarding historical heritage and to keep an updated database, in collaboration with the Church, on all historic property.

The proposal also calls for the streamlining of all agencies in the sector and their merger into one public agency whose aim will be the protection and safeguarding of historic heritage.

The plans also calls for the urgent conclusion of plans for the regeneration of areas of priority such as Grand Harbour and its surrounding cities, and Victoria’s Cittadella.