1 comment.St George’s Sq Masterplan “legalises abusive food establishment encroachment” – FAA
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Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said that it has looked into the St George’s Square Master Plan, located in Victoria, Gozo, saying that it “legalises the abusive food establishment encroachments that have choked the square.”
FAA, in a statement on Wednesday, said it supports Victoria residents “betrayed by the commercial takeover of community spaces in Maltese towns and villages. Despite knowing that businesses are abusively encroaching public spaces in violation of regulations and public rights, authorities are now allowing businesses to apply for official permits, condoning their illegal actions.”
It insisted that St. George’s Square serves as a space that connects a community and its church. “Eliminating its connection with St. George’s Church would not only strip the square of its historical narrative but also tear apart the community’s sense of place.”
“This act would diminish residents’ quality of life by eliminating the very foundation for social interaction and cultural expression, ultimately eroding the square’s unique identity,” stated FAA.
The organisation highlighted that “the lack of oversight allows unchecked commercial activity to violate the Policy, Guidance, and Standards for Outdoor Catering Areas on Public Open Spaces, obstructing the real role of the church square, ie. weddings, funerals and community events.”
It stressed that “this abuse is preventing elders, youths and other local community members from enjoying the square or setting up traditional cultural events like a festive talent stage or festive food and drink stalls set up by locals, all designed to bring people together right in front of their place of worship.”
“This Master Plan confirms the transformation of the church square into another tourist-centric zone stripped of authenticity and driven solely by profit,” said FAA.
“Moreover, it will legalise the obstruction of emergency access for ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles, posing a serious risk to public safety and forcing emergency responders to carry patients on a stretcher through the church square in a very undignified manner,” said the organisation.
FAA concluded by saying that, “the removal of unnecessary street furniture and the establishment of visual harmony are crucial for preserving the square as a vital gathering place. Without rigorous oversight, these spaces become cluttered, losing their authentic social and historic character and overrun by commercialisation.”
Ultimately this Masterplan is so abusive that FAA urges the public to email objections re PA0284/25 at representations@pa.org.mt before the deadline, this coming Friday, the 7th of March.
File photo: Gozo News
Commercial activity in the square provides lots of opportunity for dodgy pay-outs. Community events in the same space, don’t. Therefore, in the current Maltese political maelstrom, commercialism wins every time (unfortunately).