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9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 AUGUST 2025 NEWS Arts school theatre plans are afoot… with no timeline Valley Road's giant Norfolk tree saved A giant Norfolk pine tree has been retained in the latest plans for the construction of a five-storey development instead of Villa Cassar in Valley Road, Msida. The building is just a few me- tres from the bridge spanning Valley Road that links the Uni- versity skate park area to the Santa Venera tunnels. Previous plans submitted last year had indicated that the tree would be uprooted. It is estimated that the tree, which rises to nearly 18 me- tres—the equivalent of a six-storey building—is as old as the villa, which predates 1967. Norfolk pine trees are not a protected species and are only granted legal protection when they are over 50 years old and located outside development zones. Yet they often serve as urban landmarks, towering over nearby buildings and providing shelter for birds. Following a report by Malta- Today last year, the Environ- ment and Resources Authority (ERA) called for the retention of the tree and for a redesign of the project so that the tree is inte- grated within the development. The villa, which has no her- itage value, is earmarked for a non-controversial project to transform it into a five-storey block consisting of a cater- ing establishment and shops at ground level, 31 overlying apartments, and a basement ga- rage for 14 cars. One of the plans submitted last year showed the existing basement layout, identifying the entire plot—including the tree—as being earmarked for demolition. The Environment and Re- sources Authority (ERA) has now said that it has no further concerns about the develop- ment noting the retention of the tree in the latest plans. The latest plans for the construction of a five-storey development foresee the retention of Norfolk pine tree previously earmarked for removal The Malta Visual and Performing Arts School does not have a functioning theatre although plans are afoot to build one that will also serve the needs of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt A new theatre will be built at the Malta Visual and Perform- ing Arts School in Hamrun that will also serve the Malta Philhar- monic Orchestra, MaltaToday has learnt. But while architectural plans have been prepared no timeline was provided by the Education Ministry when asked about the absence of a theatre at the school. The MVPA, a specialised sec- ondary school that offers stu- dents dedicated vocational paths in art, dance, drama, music and media, was set up eight years ago. However, the school has no functioning theatre. The build- ing that once housed a theatre has fallen into disrepair and can- not be used. When asked in parliament last month by Opposition education spokesperson Justin Schem- bri about plans for a theatre at MVPA, Education Minister Clifton Grima replied that "the project is being coordinated be- tween the Education Ministry, the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools and the Malta Philhar- monic Orchestra". Asked to elaborate further by this newspaper, the ministry said "architectural plans for a new, highly specialised theatre have already been prepared by the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools (FTS) in line with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra's (MPO) vision". It added that this marked "an important step forward in ad- dressing the needs of a school dedicated to the visual and per- forming arts". However, the ministry said an application has not yet been submitted with the Planning Authority pending the signing of a memorandum of understand- ing between all stakeholders. No timeline was provided, either for the signing of the MOU or the submission of a planning appli- cation. "The ministry recognises the importance of equipping the school with the necessary facili- ties and remains fully committed to this important initiative. The project will provide a long-over- due, purpose-built space that truly reflects the talent and po- tential of the school's students," the ministry said. Talks between all stakeholders have been going on for at least two years. In two separate par- liamentary replies to questions from the Opposition spokesper- son in April and October 2023, the education minister men- tioned ongoing talks and the need for a "holistic project" to provide better facilities. Students have had to use alter- native spaces in other schools and public buildings to put up their annual performances and events. It seems, they will have to wait a while longer before their school gets a functional theatre. KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt