I write concerning the recent media articles regarding a major modern development in the heart of our great heritage city of Valletta. The development in question is the conversion of an old building that was once inhabited by Mattia Preti.

I feel that as residents of the area we have a right to present our side of the story as a right of reply.

There is great opposition mainly from residents of St Paul’s Building and Old Theatre Street/Lane because it is those dwellings that will be hugely affected. What isn’t indicated in the articles is the close proximity of this development to St Paul’s Building. Barely a 3m wide alley separates the two buildings and it is a ludicrous design for a five-storey building to be constructed in such an area. This development will result in loss of light and ventilation for the residents of St Paul’s Building as well as loss of the right to privacy since guest rooms would be overlooking existing balconies.

The proposed development is an outright insult to us citizens and to the fabric of Valletta as a cultural heritage site.

Think about the many postcards and brochures that St Paul’s Building and its wonderful balconies appear in. This urban landscape has so far stood the test of time and it will be lost forever if a permit is granted to this project. This will surely affect Valletta’s status as a UNESCO world heritage site since it will surely set a precedent. Most of Malta has been ruined by over development – is anywhere safe from thoughtless construction?

We would like to make it clear that we are not against the rehabilitation of Valletta as long as it remains within the existing infrastructure. Before the eighties that infill site was a small garden belonging to this historic building. It was built on illegally and stopped back then. The Lands Department is doing a sterling job in regaining land that has been built on illegally – so shouldn’t they knock down this infill building and return it to its original state? If this is not possible then we appeal that the height of both buildings be kept as it is and not built on.

Simon Debono

For and on behalf of the

residents of St Paul’s Building