Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1096093
9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MARCH 2019 JAMES DEBONO THE architects tasked with the redevelopment of Gzira's Wembley ice-cream factory into a seven-storey office block have been told to sub- mit alterative designs for the building. Demicoli & Associates have submitted two designs, one proposing a simple height extension and another one – Ray Demicoli's preferred op- tion – which includes a high- er 'Wurlitzer jukebox themed' central feature. The Planning Authority board will take a final deci- sion on Thursday. The case officer referred to the "architect's preferred design option" as one which introduces "a higher central feature as an integral icon of the Wurlitzer jukebox and Art Deco style". The feature would serve merely like a sign for aesthetic reasons with the aim of preserving the art deco style. "The architect insists that the architectural design requires a central vertical ele- ment, and if this is eliminated the whole scope of such an iconic façade will be jeopard- ised." But both the PA's planning directorate and the design advisory committee, of which Demicoli was a former mem- ber, raised concerns that the central feature was too prom- inent. The DAC, chaired by architect David Mallia, said the feature would dominate not only the building but also the surrounding area, noting that the neighbouring Muscat Motors showroom was also a modest Art Deco structure that only incorporates "a sim- ple vertical feature as a cen- tral element." The planning directorate concluded the design should respect the original facade without any "overpowering design features". Moreover, it warned that dismantling and reconstructing the facade into a more central position, car- ries a risk of losing an impor- tant architectural building. The option preferred by the planning directorate was de- veloped by the architect in consultation with the DAC, and was described as a "dis- crete extension" which "does not compete with the original façade". Demicoli's preferred option, however, partly tallies with the recommendation by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to dismantle and re- construct the façade and con- struct the additional floors in the Art Deco style. The new Wembley devel- opment, proposed by Emil Bonello Ghio, will include 10,764 sq.m of office space and 209 parking spaces on four basement levels. The de- velopment was originally pro- posed as an 18-storey high- rise but was downscaled to seven floors since the Floor Area Ratio policy stipulates that half the site has to be converted to open space. The Wembley factory was completed in 1937 by archi- tect Antonio Grech Dimech. The building is described as one of "the best examples of pre-war industrial architec- ture in Malta" by architect Edward Said. According to Said, the symmetrical fa- çade includes subtle features which reflect the eclectic style used in dwellings at the time. The pilasters which divide the façade are expressed in the Art Deco style, "give a sense of haute verticality to the squat two-storey building". Said had called on the PA to schedule the building and protect it from suffering the same fate suffered by the Mira Building opposite to the fac- tory, which has made way for a gaping hole that has yet to be developed into the Me- tropolis high-rise. NEWS OPEN CONSULTATION NOTICE From: The Energy and Water Agency, Ministry of Energy and Water Management Publishing date: 13 th March 2019 Running till: 10 th April 2019 Malta's Draft National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) has been developed in line with the obligations of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action. The Governance Regulation sets out the legislative foundation for a governance system of the Energy Union and Climate Action, which aims to ensure the achievement of the Union's 2030 and long-term objectives and targets of the Energy Union in line with the Union's international commitments under the Paris Agreement. Malta's Draft NECP follows the scope of the Energy Union and covers its five dimensions: energy security, internal energy market, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and research, innovation and competitiveness. The Draft Plan sets out Malta's national objectives and contributions for 2030 in the respective dimensions and contains a description of the foreseen policies and measures that need to be implemented in order to reach the set-out objectives. This is supplemented by an analytical basis consisting of a description of the current situation in Malta in the five dimensions as well as projections until 2040. The NECP will serve as a strategic planning, framework and policy document that will guide Malta's contribution to achieving the Union's 2030 objectives and targets, primarily in the areas of GHG emissions reductions, renewable energy, energy efficiency and electricity interconnectivity. Malta will be submitting its Final National Energy and Climate Plan to the European Commission by the end of December 2019, in line with the requirements of the Governance Regulation. The Energy and Water Agency, within the Ministry for Energy and Water Management, is inviting the general public to submit their written comments to the draft NECP, which can be accessed through the link below. Submissions must be received by the 10 th April 2019. The draft National Energy and Climate Plan is available here: energywateragency.gov.mt/2030-necp/ Submissions must be sent through the following channels: By filling the online form available at: https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MEW/Pages/Consultations/MaltasDraftNationalEnergyandClimat ePlan.aspx By email: info-energywateragency@gov.mt By post: Consultation on Malta's draft National Energy and Climate Plan, Energy & Water Agency, WSC, Qormi Road, Luqa 342 By means of a decree given by the Civil Court First Hall, on the 5th November, 2018, in the records of the Sworn Application in the names APS Bank Limited C 2192 vs Ambassador Clothing Limited C 22440 et, Application number 997/18 MCH, the following publication was ordered for the purpose of service of the respondents, Ambassador Clothing Limited, Ivan Caruana and George Caruana, in terms of Article 187(3) et sequitur of Cap. 12. By means of a Sworn Application, filed, in the Civil Court First Hall, in the names APS Bank Limited (Reg. number C 2192) vs 1) Ambassador Clothing Limited (Reg. number C 22440) as principal debtor; 2) Alessia Caruana (ID 460793M) and Mirco Caruana (ID 503695M) as heir of the deceased Tonio Caruana (ID 726956M); 3) Desiree Caruana (ID 24468M) and who by decree of the 11th December 2018, became Darmanin; 4) Ivan Caruana (ID 244563M); 6) Marion Caruana (ID 472362M); 7)George Caruana (ID 554458M) all sureties in solidum with Ambassador Clothing Limited (Reg. number C 22440) on the 12th October, 2018, the applicant company asked this Honourable Court; i) To proceed to give judgement according to the demand of the plaintiff without proceeding to a hearing in terms of Article 167 et sequitur of Cap. 12 of the Laws of Malta; ii) Declare the defendants as debtors of the applicant company in the amount of eighteen thousand nine hundred ninety-one euro and eight cents (€ 18,991.08), which amount is certain, liquid and due and this without prejudice to the interest due; iii)Consequently decide and order and condemn the defendants to pay the applicant company the amount so liquidated of eighteen thousand nine hundred ninety-one euro and eight cents (€18,991.08) due to the applicant company in terms of Loan Account number 2000099415-8 and Loan Interest Disposal Account 2000132501- 1. With costs and legal interest from the 1at January, 2018, till the date of effective payment against the defendants summoned so that a reference to their evidence be made. The Sworn Application in the names APS Bank Limited C 2192 vs Ambassador Clothing Limited C 22440 et, Application number 997/18 MCH, has been deferred for hearing to the 28th March, 2019, at 9.00 a.m. 1. Ambassador Clothing Ltd, 10, The Strand, Tas-Sliema 2 Ivan Caruana, Rosebud, Triq il-Ballut, Ħ'Attard 3. George Caruana, Nadine, Triq il-Kannizzata, Ħal Balzan Registry of the Superior Courts, today 7th March, 2019 ADV. FRANK PORTELLI, LLD For the Registrar, Civil Courts and Tribunals Only 'discrete' height for Wembley factory No Wurlitzer designs please... the PA's design advisory panel said the Wembley factory should have a discrete height, and opted for the second design (right)