15-metre high MFCC tent to be retained in same location

Plans to rebuild the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre on the present "temporary" site, rather than relocating it to abandoned agricultural land behind the Ta' Qali national stadium as proposed in an action plan approved in 2006, have won MEPA's approval following two years of public consultation.

The 2006 action plan had limited the height of the convention centre on the other site to 10 metres. But the new policy foresees a maximum height of 15 metres on the site of the present tent structure.

Moreover the approved policy foresees the creation of architectural features and focal points, which could even exceed this height. "These will only be considered if the merits of the design are of sufficient quality to outweigh the impacts on long distance views," the policy states.

The convention centre's footprint cannot exceed 32% of the 6.9 hectare site, and no residential accommodation shall be permitted.

MFCC Ltd, a company owned by Sign It and Nazzareno Vassallo's Catermax, pays a yearly encroachment fee of €8,500 to the government for the use of the site.

Last year the government announced it was considering granting the land on emphyteusis through a parliamentary resolution.

Although the policy binds the owners of the convention centre to provide for the own parking needs, the approved plan also proposes the construction of a multi-storey car park by the Malta Football Association.

MEPA will encourage consultation between the Malta Football Association and the appropriate government agencies, towards the construction of the multi-storey car park on the site of the existing car park.

Architect Ludovico Micallef, representing the MFA, did not overrule the possibility of an underground parking but expressed total opposition to an above ground car park, saying it would be detrimental to the functionality of the stadium. "Even aesthetically, a multi-storey car park will jar with the existing façade of the National Stadium," Micallef said.

The MFA also wants an adequate open space between the access points to the West Stand and any car park structure, which is above ground level. "However, a multi-storey car park below ground level is a possible solution, even though security problems will surely arise if the car-park is used by supporters of rival teams."

Motor sports to be relocated

This site, formerly earmarked to accommodate the Conventions and Exhibition Centre, will now accommodate the motor sports activity, which has to be relocated from the area, which will be occupied by the permanent Fairs and Convention Centre.

The policy has been amended to allocate part of the site, currently occupied by the Motor Sport for the development of a spectators' stand for the Centenary Stadium.

The policy originally foresaw the development of a ring road around the recreational park and sport facilities, with access to the distribution road network and other main roads. This means that the road, which passes around the North and South Sides of the National Stadium, will form part of this proposed ring road.

The MFA objected to this proposal, as it would create problems for the MFA and the Police Forces, especially on important match days. In this way traffic will be passing on the same road with the spectators who are entering or leaving the National Stadium.

In view of the security concerns expressed by the MFA the possibility of a road which would link the Ta' Qali football stadium parking area with the existing carriageway linking the Ta' Qali Crafts village to the British Naval Cemetery at Tal-Hemsija will be explored.

Impact on vineyards

The site for the new Convention and Exhibition centre lies alongside the old Ta' Qali runway just opposite the Meridiana vineyard. Architect Patrick Camilleri on behalf of Meridiana Wine Estate pointed out that the yield of the vineyard and the quality of the grapes produced are directly linked to the levels of sunlight reaching the vines and that parts of the vineyard would end up in the shadow of a 15-metre high convention centre. "This could severely impact the operation of the vineyard". 

MEPA pointed out that since the development footprint for the new Convention and Exhibition Centre is 32%, this leaves flexibility in the location of the structures to avoid an impact on the vineyards.

Attard local councillor Ralph Cassar (AD) insisted that the policy should also make reference to light and noise pollution and conditions on sound levels.

According to MEPA these issues should be addressed during the assessment of the development planning application and not included in the action plan itself.