11 organisations form coalition to stop AUM extension

11 non-governmental organisations have come together to form a coalition which aims to stop the proposed extension to the American University of Malta, which is recommended for approval by the Planning Authority.

Their objections are, they said, based on four significant pillars which centre on cultural, sociological, environmental, and architectural issues.

However, perhaps the most powerful of interventions at the press conference which was held in Bormla was made by a resident of the area who happened to be passing by.

He angrily spoke of how even access to the sea was going to be lost, and of how people who had invested in the area to rent out property to students will lose all of this as well.

“People are angry – this is speculation; pure speculation”, the resident said.

AUM had applied for a number of projects in the area, with the most controversial one being a multi-storey dormitory building and underlying car car park on Triq San Pawl, on the approaches to Senglea. The proposed building would have five floors above ground, one of which would be a car park and the rest comprising of 120 bedrooms, and a swimming pool at roof level. The car park would have another three underground levels.

It also plans to renovate and extend the Knights building. The building, which will comprise of several classrooms, laboratories, offices and ancillary facilities, would see an extra floor added at roof level and would also be extended on its Senglea side. The new wing is proposed to be constructed in a modern style, using steel beams and glass.

Another proposal is for the construction of a new administration building between the British building and the Knights building. The proposal entails the uprooting of two trees but the applicants say an existing concrete stairway, which was built as part of the Dock 1 renovation project, will be retained.

Explaining their reasoning behind the objection, the group said that from a cultural standpoint, they said that the proposed development through the extension of the Knights’ Building will deface the historic bastions and entrance of Senglea, hence covering them from view.

“The proposed alterations to the Knights’ Building are also too invasive with destructive effect on this prime example of built heritage in the heart of Malta’s iconic Grand Harbour”, the coalition said.

From the sociological standpoint, they said that the encroachment of the American University of Malta into the only two public open spaces along the Western stretch of Dock 1, which is disregarding the needs of the local community.

The coalition also noted that the area with stairs and an access lift were embellished with EU money with the intention of improving accessibility and mobility will be lost as a result of the development.

“Whatever the outcome of the development plans for the Dock 1 area, it should be ensured that the accessibility for the public cannot be left to the decision of a private enterprise”, they said.

They decried the loss of open urban space, noting that it will have a detrimental impact on the amenity and liveability of the Cottonera area, adding that the proposed development is in breach of a number of planning provisions that aim to protect existing open spaces.

From an architectural perspective, the coalition noted that Dock 1 is an Urban Conservation Area and that all development of buildings in the area should respect the aesthetics and policies of such zones.

“The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, amongst others, raised issues in this regard, however these seem to have been ignored by the PA Case Officer”, they said.

“Just eight years ago, a group of youth from the Cottonera made a public statement about the lack of open spaces in Cottonera. Their statement and ensuing project was supported unequivocally by the community. The regeneration of the derelict stretch of Dock 1 should be a step forwards not backwards”, the group said.

“We emphasise that we welcome sustainable development, investment and restoration of the Cottonera. However, we demand that this is done with respect for this important historical hub and for the wellbeing of the people in the localities. As it stands, this application degrades the national and local communities’ interests”, the group said.

The 11 organisations partaking in this coalition are Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura, Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Forum Komunita` Bormliza, Futur Ambjent Wiehed, International Tree Foundation [Malta], Moviment Graffitti, The Archaeological Society Malta, The Ramblers Association of Malta and Zminijietna – Voice of the Left.