Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) has said that this week MEPA issued a permit for the demolition of three of the last surviving Art Deco houses that gave Qui si-Sana its character.

"The Authority is currently processing an application submitted by the Gozitan authorities to destroy a grand heritage house in Victoria, Gozo, leaving only the facade," said FAA.

"This building is a landmark in the area; the façade shows a rare sophistication, however it is the interior that is outstanding, displaying a contemporary elegance that is hard to compare on our islands. Therefore preserving the façade would have no value if the splendid interior is destroyed."

FAA stated that this house deserves to be scheduled and protected by virtue of the fine detailing and the sweeping, elegant staircase alone, as has been done in other cases.

Perit Conrad Thake has described it as: "A beautiful building which is certainly worthy of preservation both on its architectural merit and also given its significance that it was designed by famous architect and civil engineer Guze Damato (1886-1963)" who designed many outstanding buildings in Malta and Gozo. Guze Damato. "It would be barbaric if such a building would be demolished and the Planning Authority should not permit the demolition of such a building."

"Unlike Malta Gozo, does not have many Baroque palazzos. This building with its extensive grounds at the back is ideally suited to be converted into a public building or boutique hotel, which would complement and enhance the Cittadella regeneration"

FAA added,"such buildings contribute to the Gozitan economy and it would be unthinkable of Government itself to deprive Gozo of such a gem, just to provide misplaced parking spaces."

"Furthermore, no photomontages have been submitted to assess the impact of the very large, three-storey car park on the Cittadella hillside, an Area of High Landscape Value. Since the site is an Area of Archaeological Importance, most of it on virgin land," said FAA.

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar maintained that the proposed car-park should be located on a less sensitive site. Carparks are normally found on the outskirts of historic cities in order to avoid increasing traffic in the heritage area, since vehicle emissions cause the erosion of old stone.

"This is a classic case of hollow architectural 'facadism' which runs counter to architectural conservation and rehabilitation in such a prime urban conservation area. It is a shame that Government that invested so much effort and funding to rehabilitate the Cittadella, should then be the one to destroy an integral part of the Cittadella's heritage."

FAA condemned the fact that this building is already being stripped of the interior features that form an integral part of its original design and value.

FAA called on the Planning Authority and Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to halt this damage through the immediate implementation of an Emergency Conservation Order.

FAA also calls on the public to do its part to preserve the islands' heritage by submitting objections to this destruction to: representations@pa.org.mt quoting PA01086/16.

Permalink: Destruction of Cittadella Heritage House in Gozo – FAA