Planners and politicians
Contrary to popular belief that politicians only dictate what happens in banana republics, any planning graduate will tell you that politics is an integral part of the planning process in developed countries, albeit not to the same extent.
(The Sunday Times 18/01/2008) read more...

Lija council wants tailor-made local plan
The Lija local council yesterday called on the planning authority to draw up a local plan specifically tailored to its locality, which will limit building height to two storeys.
(The Times 17/01/2009) read more...

An exceptional opportunity
The last time a Maltese city was revamped was Vilhena's remodelling of Mdina following the 1693 earthquake, with very successful results.
(The Times 16/01/2009) read more...

Don't let agendas block the view
In 2008, the House of Lords in the UK held a debate on architecture for the first time in four years. The debate was intended to "call to attention the case for encouraging high-quality architecture in the UK and for ensuring that design quality is taken into account by local planning authorities".
(The Times 16/01/2009) read more...

End of the road for Ta' Qali crafts village
Dock No.1 may become arts and craft centre
(The Times 16/01/2009) read more...

Owner cautions Mepa about 'serious threat' to heritage site
The owner of Villa Barbaro, in Tarxien has formally cautioned the planning authority about "the serious threat" facing the heritage site as a result of two applications to carry out construction works next to it.
(The Times 15/01/2009) read more...

Court: Court accepts injunction against government to stop demolishing Magic Kiosk
The First Hall of Civil Court yesterday accepted a provisional prohibitory injunction filed by the owners of Magic Kiosk, Brittania Catering Co. Ltd, stopping the government from demolishing the establishment.
(The Malta Independent 13/01/2009) read more...

Restoration work at Qala fort
Qala council’s restoration of a fort should be emulated by local councils, as a way of preserving their historical heritage, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said when he visited the works in progress at Fort Sant’Antnin.
(The Malta Independent 13/01/2009) read more...

Rent reform law
Government promoting use of empty residences
(The Times 13/01/2009) read more...

Clean-up of illegal structures, eyesores in Selmun
Selmun's countryside was bustling with workers yesterday as illegal rooms were demolished, walls knocked down and an illegal reservoir filled in as part of a clean-up enforcement action.
(The Times 13/01/2009) read more...

Foundation encourages public to air views on St John's
The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation has urged people to voice their opinions on the proposed extension of its museum.
(The Sunday Times 11/01/2009) read more...

Legislation on Valletta vacant property ‘needed’
Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli has called on the government to enact legislation that would give more control over vacant buildings, many of which are dangerous and shabby.
(The Malta Independent 06/01/2009) read more...

Renzo Piano’s 1989 City Gate project
Renzo Piano’s 1989 Valletta City Gate Project was presented to the public in an exhibition organised by the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee at the National Museum of Archaeology.
(The Independent on Sunday 04/01/2009) read more...

Building certification by ‘March earliest’
The certification system on the energy performance of buildings in compliance with the EU’s Energy Directive will not be available when the regulations come into force on January 2, 2009 – and it is unlikely that the system will be in place before spring.
(di-ve,com 16/12/2008) read more...

Fort St Elmo restoration to complement Piano designs
In the wake of last week's press conference by the Prime Minister that world-renowned architect Renzo Piano will once again propose designs for City Gate and the Opera House, one can only applaud this much-awaited project.
(The Sunday Times 07/12/2008) read more...

Regeneration of Valletta: Architects welcome Piano appointment
The goals of the Kamra tal-Periti (Chamber of Architects) include providing support in achieving excellence in architecture in the interest of the community.
(The Malta Independent 05/12/2008) read more...

Renzo Piano's challenge
Moving Parliament to the site of the former Royal Opera House may be more appropriate than many people may think. Politics does provide us with endless entertainment.
(The Times 05/12/2008) read more...

Valletta project welcomed
Heritage and environment NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa has welcomed the renewed attention being given by the government to City Gate and the Opera House in Valletta, saying it was now awaiting renowned architect Renzo Piano's designs with interest.
(The Times 05/12/2008) read more...

NGOs, KTP approve Valletta project
The Kamra Tal-Periti, whose goal is to strive for architectural excellence in Malta have also approved the government’s decision to leave the design of the Opera House to Renzo Piano.
(di-ve,com 04/12/2008) read more...

Chamber of Architects backs Piano return to City Gate project
The Chamber of Architects (Kamra tal-Periti) said today that it commends and supports the government’s decision to proceed with the City Gate project and the choice of Renzo Piano as architect. It also urged the government to consider the status of the Guidelines for the Regeneration of Valletta drawn up by Mr Piano himself in his previous commission.
(The Times 04/12/2008) read more...

New obligations on building industry suppliers
Suppliers to the construction industry will have to ensure that the products and materials they trade in meet European quality standards and can be traced back to the manufacturers in line with a new proposal made by the European Commission.
(The Times 29/11/2008) read more...

Awards for built and natural heritage journalism
Din l-Art Helwa recently announced this year’s awards to journalists and publications that most raised awareness on the issues and status of the island’s built and natural heritage.
(The Malta Independent 22/11/2008) read more...

Mepa should ditch unacceptable applications, PM says
The Prime Minister made a case for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to be able to ditch permit applications that immediately appear to be unacceptable.
(The Times 21/11/2008) read more...

Malta lacking policy on high-rise buildings
Malta is planning to reach for the skies with 25 pending applications for the construction of towers, yet there is no policy or vision in place to see which direction such development should take.
(The Times 22/11/2008) read more...

Prestigious Din l-Art Helwa Awards for Built and Natural Heritage Journalism
For the fourth consecutive year, Din l-Art Helwa, recently announced this year’s awards to those journalists and publications that most raised awareness on the issues and status of the island’s built and natural heritage.
(Din l-Art Helwa 20/11/2008) read more...

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