Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1470876
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 15 JUNE 2022 NEWS NEWS JAMES DEBONO THE Arkadia food market's re- designed canopy structures have been deemed "acceptable" by the Superintendence for Cultur- al Heritage, as long as the cen- tral area between the two tents is kept unencumbered by any structure. The existing shading canopies, hit by an enforcement notice in 2019, will be replaced by two new canopies with a retractable, beige canvas roof and a different design. The heritage watchdog in- sisted that the entrance space between the two canopies is to be retained as an open area without any flowerboxes, tables, and umbrellas. "This will ensure that part of the historical façade of the Valletta market can be viewed without any items cover- ing the façade design." The SCH insisted that all struc- tural pillars be cylindrical, em- ulating the original Victorian pillars supporting the internal structures, and that the retract- able canopies be in single-color material, preferably stone color. But leading heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa is strongly objecting to the latest proposal because it makes it impossible for people to appreciate the aesthetic and architectural quality of the Suq's heritage building. "Such a mas- sive structure that dominates the vistas and blocks views of this Grade 1 scheduled building is completely unacceptable." The Suq tal-Belt's "permanent" canopy was built without a per- mit and obstructed the façade of the old Valletta market. By filing an appeal against the PA's enforcement, Arkadia effective- ly delayed the removal of the tent structure, which remains in place now for two years – but the owners are currently subject to a daily fine of €50. The PA's enforcement was is- sued against Arkadia Market- ing Limited, which operates the food court in the Suq tal-Belt, and the Commissioner of Lands. Arkadia argues that the awn- ings are not illegal but covered by a development notification permit issued by the PA in 2018. It said its original canopy had to be replaced due to deterioration and that it was a hazard to the public. To address these flaws the new structures were installed with additional steel frames to retain the canvas covering, while still respecting the dimensions of the original permit. The 2018 permit had a validi- ty of only one year and does not apply to the structures erected in 2019. The DNO permit issued in 2018 also allowed for a "one- time installation of a permanent canopy" within the said area and the permit has since expired, a PA spokesperson had told Mal- taToday before the filing of the appeal. 'Heritage' green- lights Suq tal- Belt canopies Arkadia has presented new canopy design for the tables and chairs area in front of the Suq tal-Belt, which had been hit by a planning enforcement issued in October 2019 Valletta hotel applies to 'regularise' roof top canopy THE owners of the Iniala Harbour House Hotel overlooking St Barbara bastions have applied to regularise a "retractable glazed enclosure" on the property's terrace. The canopy structure which is used as a dining area was not part of the original permit of the hotel, which led to the impeccable resto- ration of the building, approved in 2016. St Barbara Bastions is one of the most scenic locations in Valletta, overlooking the Grand Harbour. The application presented by ho- telier, philanthropist and TV ce- lebrity Mark Weingard has angered residents while the PA's advisory committee on design issues has ex- pressed concern on the visual im- pact of the new structure in a UN- ESCO World Heritage site and an Area of High Landscape Value Environmentalist and lawyer Claire Bonello has warned, "trying to sanction such an obscenity is be- yond the pale". She described the rooftop canopy as one, which is "out of context, mars the Valletta skyline and is in breach of relevant policies". A resident warned that approval of the roof top structure would set a precedent for other hotels to do the same. In another example of the 'build now, sanction later' mentality, the owners of the Iniala hotel, which overlooks St Barbara Bastions, have applied to regularise a rooftop canopy