Matthew Vella Alternattiva Demokratika and environmental lobby Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) have joined in the loud chorus of opposition against plans by the St Julian’s local council to turn Balluta Square into a bus terminus and underground car park.
“AD asks for all plans to be published and adequate public consultation before a decision as to whether the project is to be given the go ahead… and not when the decision in favour of the project is a fait accompli,” said Carmel Cacopardo, spokesperson for sustainable development.
“AD agrees with residents that Balluta Square is unique and must be preserved. Residents, their guests and visitors should be able to continue enjoying one of the few open spaces in the area. A car park will attract even more traffic to an already traffic clogged area which is already served by a private car park,” Cacopardo said.
FAA deplored the fact that the project was not discussed with local residents.
“Established almost a century ago, Balluta Square is one of the few open spaces available to St Julian’s residents, offering pleasant shade beneath the trees’ spreading canopy. No amount of landscaping and compensatory planting would re-create the atmosphere of this treasured old square which is much sought-after by tourists,” Vella said.
FAA called on the authorities to issue an emergency conservation order on the Balluta trees, along with scheduling of the square.
The St Julian’s council has said that MEPA proposed three sites for eventual car parks, as indicated in the North Harbour local plan – namely at the Balluta area, at Mikelangelo Borg Street and at the ITS area in St George’s bay.
“The council has been working on traffic management proposals and a number of measures to diminish traffic problems in the locality. To this end it has secured funding from the CPPS (Committed Payment Parking Scheme) of MEPA to carry out eventual approved measures,” the council said.
The council also said it would hold public meetings in the near future.
Opposition against the plans for a “green urban transport terminal” for electric buses has also come from heritage trust Din l-Art Helwa, which is demanding that the square remain intact.
“None of its charming features should be removed nor any trees cut down to make way for the construction of an underground parking lot,” the NGO stressed.
The Labour Party is also opposing the project. Under the proposal, the electric bus terminus would partly replace the existing public toilets. A covered shelter would stretch up the road that divides the square from the valley. It is proposed that this long shelter would have rows of solar panels installed on the roof and buses parked underneath.
Balluta Square is overshadowed by two scheduled buildings – the towering Balluta Buildings and Villa Casa Torregiani. DLH says this protection extends to the square itself, with its old kiosk, monument and fountain.
Meanwhile, 13 residents and shop owners yesterday sent a letter to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi expressing concern about the project.
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