Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1488752
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 DECEMBER 2022 NEWS NEWS Environment & Resources Authority RESTORATION OF VOID SPACES (ROVS) SCHEME Scheme for the Restora on of Void Spaces with Crushed Inert Excava on, Construc on and Demoli on Waste The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) would like to inform quarry owners and quarry operators that a scheme has been launched to incen vise the crushing of inert waste prior to its recovery in void spaces. Further informa on on this scheme may be found at era.org.mt. Applica on forms may be downloaded from the ERA webpage or collected from ERA's offices in Marsa from Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 12:30pm. Please note that the ERA offices will be closed for business between the 24 th December 2022 and the 1 st January 2023, both days included. Wartime bog could be Malta's most 'protected' latrine JAMES DEBONO A British-era 'latrine' enjoying a low level of protection stands in the way of a proposed develop- ment enveloping Australia Hall, but the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has indicates that it may consider a relocation of the structure. The latrine is included in the list of protected buildings on the site earmarked for the development of one of three blocks in unbuilt area around Australia Hall, in Pembroke. The zoning application by the Fino group proposes the erection of three "mixed use" blocks, ranging between 13- 16m, on a 3,870sq.m area that envelopes the historical Aus- tralia Hall. In planning jargon, mixed-use developments nor- mally include a combination of residential, office and retail development. But in its first reaction to the application the SCH has hint- ed that it "may consider the dismantling and relocation of this building, subject to an ap- proved Works Method State- ment". The latrine enjoys Grade 3 protection which is reserved for properties which may lack the historical importance or architectural values of Grade 1 and Grade 2 buildings, but still considered as worthy of pres- ervation, due to their unique character. Moreover, the dem- olition of such buildings may be permitted but discouraged. The Superintendence ex- pressed "concern that the pro- posed blocks will dominate Australia Hall". But instead of objecting to any development on area surrounding the hall, the Superintendence made a number of recommendations, like shifting the position of one of the blocks to the west and to eliminate part of another building, to minimise the im- pact on Australia Hall. But the SCH is still awaiting photomontages indicating the impact of the proposed devel- opment on Australia Hall be- fore taking a final position on the proposed development. The latest plans by AH Devel- opments, a company owned by the Fino Group, foresees devel- opment over some 12,000sq.m in total floor area, which in- cludes the three massive blocks and the restoration of Australia Hall itself. Some 2,400sq.m of the total 6,331sq.m site will be retained as open public space. Australia Hall is currently listed as a Grade 2 scheduled building, which precludes demolition but permits inter- nal alterations. In this case the development will inevitably impact on the setting of the scheduled building. The development is being proposed just 60m away from the approved Chinese embas- sy complex, which will also include 20 residential apart- ments. Two of the embassy blocks will rise to six floors. The Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage had warned that the development "is evidently one of very high intensity and visibility" which will have an "inevitable impact on the spa- tial and visual context of the surrounding scheduled build- ings". Australia Hall was previous- ly owned by the Labour Party but the land was transferred to A.H. Development for just €582,343 in 2014. Australia Hall was built by the Australian Branch of the Brit- ish Red Cross Society as an en- tertainment venue for wound- ed soldiers who were being treated in Malta during WWI. The hall could accommodate up to 2,000 people, and was used as a theatre. The building was subsequently used by the British forces and served as a cinema after 1921. British-era latrine forming part of Australia Hall will be relocated due to protected status, says cultural heritage watchdog The latrine next to Australia Hall