Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar are to publish an open letter to the Prime Minister, requesting a reconsideration of important decisions in the regeneration of Valletta, to relocate Parliament to the Opera House site, and the St. John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation’s plans to excavate an underground museum in St. John’s Square and cover over its graveyard.

The FAA said that they welcomed the holistic remodelling and regeneration of Valletta, including the Bus Terminus, City Gate and the Opera House site, down to Fort St.Elmo, and the expansion of the Cathedral Museum but maintained that they should respect the social, cultural and religious values of Valletta’s residents and tourists as well as the needs of the business community.

The Association said that the excavation of St John’s Square at least four storeys deep for the St John’s Foundation underground museum is a threat to the stability of the Cathedral which will inflict years of dust, noise, vibration and heavy vehicle traffic on Valletta’s residents, tourists and shops.

The Environment Impact Assessment is already flawed however we are still in time to consider existing alternatives and save €16 million which could be used for more urgent projects, the FAA said

On the Opera house the FAA said that Malta needs a National Theatre for large productions such as concerts, musicals, ballets, dramas and operas which cannot presently be staged for lack of adequate facilities.

According to the Association a National Theatre will promote culture, give our young performers a future and boost tourism all over Malta, whereas a parliament will not.

The FAA reminded the government that the Maltese public has been promised the rebuilding of this theatre at every election and were counting on this Government to honour its promises.