Valletta’s UNESCO status endangered by proposed cruise terminal

The development of a cruise terminal at quarry wharf could have “negative consequences” on Valletta’s status as a world heritage site, MEPA’s Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) has warned.

The application to construct the Barriera Passenger Terminal for the berthing of ships and passenger handling, was presented by Transport MaltaChief Executive Stanley Portelli in August.

In a memo issued in November the cultural panel of the HAC, currently chaired by Dr Albert Ganado, has called on MEPA to refuse this application as it would completely alter the character of the coastline.

“The proposal will completely cancel any contact between the sea  and the bastions in the only place left where the contact is the same as it was when Vallettawas build,” the HAC’s memo says.

The HAC also warned that the project could impinge on Valletta’s status as a world heritage site whose boundaries were only approved in a World Heritage Committee six months ago.

The project was first envisioned in 2003 when an application to reclaim 11,500 square metres of sea at BarrieraWharfwas presented. The reclaimed land was to accommodate 30 coaches.

Environmental Impact Statements were already prepared for the project in 2007 and 2008 and a new document was presented in November.

The studies showed that the cruise terminal was unlikely to worsen wave disturbance in the GrandHarbourbut the dredging of 163,000 cubic metres of sediment was deemed to have an impact on the water quality and marine ecology of the site.

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Is there anything that Gonzi's government does that does not endanger Malta's heritage and international standing?