Multiple residents and NGOs have filed objections to the proposed development of Cospicua’s Rialto theatre, as they fear that turning it into a multi-purpose venue will make too much noise, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar said.

The project proposes converting the theatre into a multi-purpose venue with catering facilities, a bar/restaurant, a cinema, a theatre a rooftop venue and connected to a boutique hotel.

Cospicua is an Urban Conservation Area (UCA) and Rialto Theatre is Grade 2.

NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar filed a nine-page objection against the project highlighting how the shape of the buildings surrounding the theatre in the shape of an amphitheatre will amplify the sound.

“The proposed permit threatens to disturb residents due to rooftop celebrations,” FAA in an email to objectors said.

“We do not want our town centre to be disrupted, similar to the noise disturbances caused by wedding receptions at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Senglea/Isla,” it added.

It also mentions how the project breaches the local plan and it goes into the history of this theatre and how this development would be going against its grade 2 heritage status.

Other objectors said: “We are opposed to the Rialto adding on additional levels and becoming an entertainment hub, which would severely disturb the residents of the area, owing to the fact that the Rialto is in the Bormla city core.”

“To degrade such a precious Grade 2 Scheduled piece of Maltese Heritage in the context of its AHLV location is not acceptable,” other objectors added.

The application was filed by Rialto Operation Ltd. Attn: Conrad Borg, who was selected by the Labour Party to restore and operate the Theatre.

This historic theatre first opened as a cinema in 1956 but later closed in 1988. It was then acquired by the PL, who were in government at the time and was used to sporadically host political party meetings.