New Concert Venue to Open Soon at Ta’ Qali National Park

Mar 7 2024

The long-awaited works in the concert area of Ta’ Qali National Park have reached their final stages, heralding the imminent opening of a state-of-the-art concert venue.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia, announced the nearing completion of the project during a recent visit to the park.

Minister Bonett underscored the significance of this redevelopment, transforming a once-abandoned concrete plant into a vibrant space capable of hosting large-scale events. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing citizens with more open spaces for recreational activities, enhancing the quality of life for Maltese and Gozitans alike.

Parliamentary Secretary Farrugia echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s dedication to creating green and open spaces for families to enjoy. The concert area forms part of a comprehensive regeneration project within the national park, encompassing various amenities such as a theater, exhibition hall, walkways, and parking facilities.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and amenities, the concert area will be primed to host top-level concerts and mass activities. Facilities include dressing rooms, an underground backstage, a clinic, security control room, design kiosks, and an extensive array of toilets. Furthermore, the area will benefit from a sophisticated security system, ensuring the safety of visitors round the clock.

The forthcoming concert venue represents a significant milestone for Malta, offering a unique space for cultural and entertainment events.

Head of the Ta’ Qali National Park Unit, Jason Micallef, hailed the regeneration efforts as the largest of its kind in the country, yielding promising results.

With the infrastructure in place, the venue is poised to welcome its inaugural international concerts in the last quarter of the year, marking a new chapter in Malta’s cultural landscape.

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‘Why Do We Dance?’ – The MVMT With New Promo

Planning Board Reverses Decision on Ġgantija Flats

Mar 7 2024

A decision that sparked controversy last November has been overturned by the Planning Board in a post-decision review, revoking an application to construct a block of flats in the buffer zone of Ġgantija temples. The board’s majority voted in favor of the revocation, albeit with the condition that the application be returned to the processing stage.

Chairman of the Planning Board, Emmanuel Camilleri, announced that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage would request a heritage impact assessment from the site developer. This move comes after mounting pressure from various quarters, including the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and a coalition of Gozitan NGOs, who urged the board to reconsider.

The controversy stemmed from the Planning Authority’s initial approval of the 22-apartment block of flats with 20 basement garages, despite objections from UNESCO and public outcry. Situated just 157 meters from the ancient Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back approximately 5,600 years, the development sparked concerns about potential damage to the historic site.

In a significant turn of events, the Planning Board’s decision to revoke the application aligns with planning legislation, specifically Article 80 of the Development Planning Act. This article empowers the board to revoke or modify permits in cases of fraud, submission of incorrect information, error, or public safety issues.

During the review process, it was revealed that the development site fell within Ġgantija’s buffer zone, contrary to earlier assertions. This buffer zone, established by UNESCO, imposes restrictions on development to safeguard the integrity of the heritage site. While development within the buffer zone is not outright forbidden, any proposed projects must undergo a rigorous assessment process and gain approval from UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee.

The Planning Board’s decision marks a significant victory for conservationists and heritage advocates who have long emphasized the importance of protecting Malta’s cultural heritage.

The Nationalist Party applauded the decision by the Planning Authority. Emphasizing the need for responsible governance, the Nationalist Party called for greater attention to be paid to the protection and preservation of national heritage. They advocated for robust leadership that prioritizes the interests of Malta and Gozo above all else, safeguarding cultural treasures for future generations to cherish.

Julie Zahra, Shadow Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Culture, alongside Stanley Zammit, Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to championing the public good and preserving the nation’s rich heritage for posterity.

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Malta Based Artist Represents Malta at Arctic Art Festival in Finland

Mar 7 2024

Malta-based visual artist Serhat Gür has recently made waves in the international art scene by representing the island nation at the Arctic Art Festival held annually in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Gür, a freelance artist who has been residing in Malta for the past seven years, showcased his talent and creativity by sculpting a remarkable piece at the festival.

Gür’s journey to the Arctic was prompted by an invitation to participate in the prestigious festival, which this year centred around the theme of “Connecting with Nature.” Drawing inspiration from his adopted home of Malta, Gür decided to sculpt a tribute to the island’s unique wildlife—the Maltese wall lizard.

In a message to Malta Daily, Gür shared his motivations behind the choice of subject matter, stating, “Despite the challenges of migration, creating something about Malta has been a continuation of the process of strengthening my sense of belonging here.”

Working alongside his spouse, Adrianna Oramus Gür, Serhat embarked on the challenge of sculpting a creature from a warm climate in the frigid Arctic environment. Despite the unfamiliar medium of snow, the couple successfully completed their sculpture, measuring an impressive 3 meters by 3 meters, in just four days.

Reflecting on the experience, Gür remarked, “Working with snow was a first for me, but it was a lot of fun.” The couple utilised electric saws and metal chisels to bring their vision to life, creating a captivating contrast between the warm imagery of Malta and the icy backdrop of Finland.

@serhatgur_artist

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