Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1171146
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 SEPTEMBER 2019 Residents fear loss of public spaces with American University extension LAURA CALLEJA A group of NGOs and residents' groups have called on the Planning Authority to turn down the proposed expansion of the American University of Malta in Bormla. The Planning Authority's planning di- rectorate is recommending the approval of the American University of Malta campus in Bormla, which includes an ex- tension that will cover an open space on Dock No. 1. The film director Rebecca Cremona, speaking for the Tuna Artna Lura coali- tion, said residents were in favour of in- vestment and sustainable development of their towns, but were concerned about the loss of open spaces. "The proposed development will take way open public spaces here, and cover the bastions and fortifications and the Isla entrance. For these reasons, and be- cause of the historic heritage here, this project would not be a regeneration of the area but a step backwards," Cremona said. The decision will commit the develop- ment of most of the site, with an admin- istration block in steel and glass, located between the Knights' Building and the British Building, which will rise to 19.5m. The building is proposed on an existing public staircase, resting on inclined col- umns. An additional floor is proposed at the top of the original Knights' building in steel and glass. Another building located along Dock 1 adjacent to the Knights' Building will have the same height of the adjacent Knights' Building. Photomontages show that the new building set for approval will obstruct views of the historical fortifications. Labour MP Glenn Bedingfield recently asked the AUM to consider the Fortizza tas-Salvatur in Kalkara or the Palazz tal- Kaptan tal-Galjuni at the Birgu water- front, as dormitories for AUM students. His proposal was supported by NGO Flimkien Ghall Ambjent Ahjar which re- mained critical on the rest of the project, warning that it will lead to the privati- sation of the Cottonera waterfront and the loss of open space at the heart of the Three Cities. Discover why P&O Cruises is Britain's favourite cruise line aboard the P&O Oceana in 2020. Only a limited number of cabins are available on cruise-only basis, without the charter flights from the UK. Don't miss out, book your 2020 Malta to Malta cruise NOW! Level 7, Airways House, High Street, Sliema. Tel: 21 222 999. Email: cruise@cruiseandtravel.com.mt Download a brochure at: www.cruiseandtravel.com.mt MTA Licence: TRA/M02 MALTA TO MALTA ROUTES 2020 – 7 NIGHTS ON P&O OCEANA • Prices are per person, inside cabin based on double occupancy and include all taxes & fees. Departure EARLY BOOKING PRICES From* 02-Apr Malta - Piraeus - Chania - Katakolon - Zakynthos - Malta € 768 09-Apr Malta - Civitavecchia - Livorno - Monte Carlo - Ajaccio - Malta € 768 16-Apr Malta - Kotor - Split - Venice - Zadar - Malta € 768 23-Apr Malta - Piraeus - Nafplio - Katakolon - Cephalonia - Malta € 768 30-Apr Malta - Olbia - Villefranche - Livorno - Civitavecchia - Malta € 742 07-May Malta - Hvar - Venice - Zadar - Dubrovnik - Malta € 794 14-May Malta - Piraeus - Mykonos - Heraklion - Gythion - Malta € 794 21-May Malta - Olbia - Villefranche - Livorno - Civitavecchia - Malta € 768 28-May Malta - Zadar - Venice - Rijeka - Hvar - Malta € 794 04-Jun Malta - Cannes - Livorno - Olbia - Naples - Malta € 896 11-Jun Malta - Piraeus - Santorini - Heraklion - Rhodes - Malta € 896 18-Jun Malta - Dubrovnik - Rovinj - Venice - Split - Malta € 896 25-Jun Malta - Civitavecchia - Livorno - Olbia - Naples - Malta € 896 02-Jul Malta - Piraeus - Chania - Katakolon - Zakynthos - Malta € 960 09-Jul Malta - Zadar - Venice - Split - Kotor - Malta € 960 16-Jul Malta - Civitavecchia - Livorno - Monte Carlo - Ajaccio - Malta € 960 23-Jul Malta - Piraeus - Nafplio - Katakolon - Cephalonia - Malta € 960 30-Jul Malta - Zadar - Venice - Sibenik - Dubrovnik - Malta € 960 06-Aug Malta - Olbia- Villefranche - Livorno - Civitavecchia - Malta € 1,024 13-Aug Malta - Piraeus - Mykonos - Heraklion - Gythion - Malta € 1,024 20-Aug Malta - Zadar - Venice - Rijeka - Hvar - Malta € 1,024 27-Aug Malta - Cannes - Livorno - Olbia - Naples - Malta € 1,024 03-Sep Malta - Piraeus - Santorini - Heraklion - Rhodes - Malta € 1,024 10-Sep Malta - Dubrovnik - Rovinj - Venice - Split - Malta € 1,024 17-Sep Malta - Civitavecchia - Livorno - Olbia - Naples - Malta € 999 24-Sep Malta - Piraeus - Chania - Katakolon - Zakynthos - Malta € 1,024 01-Oct Malta - Zadar - Venice - Split - Kotor - Malta € 768 Residents and NGOs aired their grievances two days before the Planning Authority decides on the application