A planning application to rebuild the Valletta United Waterpolo club has been filed, however certain concerns with the redevelopment have already been highlighted.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is one entity that aired some concern, given that the proposed development is larger than what currently exists on site.

 “Any structures that go beyond the existing building height and profile will intensify development in this sensitive area and should be avoided,” the Superintendence states, while stressing the need for the applicant to file further information and photomontages before it is able to take a final stance on the matter.

The application is for the demolition of the existing club premises, catering outlets, boundary walls and hard landscaping. It also includes the remodelling of the pool, construction of a reservoir, new decks, stores, and new clubhouse premises including committee rooms, changing rooms/ancillary facilities, and catering outlets (restaurant with music, bar, take-away kiosk). Works comprise embellishment/landscaping works of terraces for bathing and recreational areas. The site is located on Triq il-Lanca, Valletta.

The Design Advisory Committee, according to documents submitted to the Planning authority, said: “The Committee considered drawings and reiterates its previous opinion: that the proposed building should be sunk (further) into the ground so that it is no higher than the roof level of the existing club. The increased height would have a negative impact of the views towards the Marsamxett side of the UNESCO world heritage city of Valletta.”

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage noted that the site footprint in question is located on the foreshore of Marsamxett harbour and in the immediate proximity of the Grade 1 military fortifications – San Salvatore bastion.

“This area falls within the Urban Conservation Area of Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also an Area of High Landscape Value of the Harbour Fortifications. The Harbour Fortifications are scheduled at Grade 1 and have been placed on the tentative list for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consequently, views and vistas from and towards Valletta and the Harbour Fortifications are to be preserved and enhanced. Marsamxett harbour has a long maritime tradition and the discovery of unknown cultural heritage features or objects cannot be excluded. Any approved works will require archaeological monitoring (including of the sea bed) since no surveys of the existing sea been have been submitted.”

The Superintendence noted that the existing structures are post-1968 structures having no value that would warrant their preservation. “There is no objection to the demolition of the existing structures. The proposed replacement building will result in an increase in overall height, volumes and masses and will impact on existing views and vistas of the harbour fortifications. Any structures that go beyond the existing building height and profile will intensify development in this sensitive area and should be avoided.”

The Superintendence, as such, requested that long-distance views and photomontages be submitted, in order to adequately assess the proposal.

It also noted that the sections as presented give no indication of underlying bedrock and it is unclear to what extent the proposed works will impact, if at all, the underlying bedrock and foreshore. Given the location, the Superintendence would not be favourable to rockcutting or to a redefinition of the existing foreshore.