The Planning Authority has approved a three-storey office block at the Valletta Waterfront, replacing an open space currently used as a car park.

Known as the Wedge Building, it will be built on a 507-square-metre plot between Pinto Wharf and Triq il-Vittmi Furjanizi tal-Gwerra in Floriana.

The building, designed by AP Valletta and filed by Valletta Cruise Port, had been downsized from earlier plans for a taller structure. The approved height will match existing buildings and will not be visible from the Grand Harbour.

The PA stated that the design respects the surrounding environment while incorporating a modern architectural style.

Previous applications dating back to 1999 proposed including the site as part of the passenger terminal plans, but it remained used for street parking.

Two attempts in 2017 and 2019 to build a four-storey office building were withdrawn before the current proposal was submitted in 2021.

In a recent meeting, the Floriana Council, led by Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul expressed strong objections to a proposed development on Triq il-Vittmi Furianizi tal Verra, located opposite the Waterfront. The council raised concerns about the ongoing loss of public land, advocating for the creation of more open spaces for community use.

Ellul emphasized the need to protect public land, pointing out that Floriana is already saturated with properties primarily designated for office use. He urged a shift in focus towards supporting local entities and ensuring sustainable development that truly benefits the community.

The council reiterated its commitment to balancing development with public accessibility, calling for a reevaluation of land use priorities. This approach seeks to foster growth that not only supports economic interests but also enhances the quality of life for residents. The Floriana Council remains dedicated to advocating for community-driven initiatives that prioritise the needs of the locality and its inhabitants.

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A new phrasebook titled Il-Vjaġġ it-Tajjeb – Essential Maltese for Ground and Cabin Crew has been released to assist foreign airport staff and cabin crew in communicating with passengers in Maltese. Published by the Department of Maltese at the University of Malta, the booklet offers essential vocabulary tailored for various travel scenarios, from airport security protocols to in-flight food and beverage orders.

The resource is divided into eight sections covering critical aspects of cabin and ground crew duties, facilitating effective communication during check-in, boarding, safety briefings, and passenger interactions. It includes practical phrases for greetings, apologies, directions, and responses to passenger inquiries.

Additionally, a companion website, malti.mt/learnmaltese, features audio clips to aid staff in proper pronunciation of each phrase. This phrasebook is part of a broader series aimed at enhancing language skills among various professionals and the general public in Malta, ensuring better communication in the aviation sector. The booklet serves as a valuable reference for those working in the industry, fostering improved interactions with passengers and colleagues alike.

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