One of the most controversial aspects of the proposed City Gate project is the use of the site where Valletta's Opera House once stood dominating the entrance to the city. The late nineteenth century building, designed by E.M. Barry, architect of the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden, was demolished by a German bombing raid during the Second World War. Since then, the use of this space has been a continuous source of friction and the ruins of the building remain.

However, The Times of Malta reported this weekend that a cultural and performance centre could be built on the ruined site after all, if one of the main options presented by Renzo Piano is taken up by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. No official proposal has as yet been made to the government, but it is understood that this option places the new Parliament building in Freedom Square, next to the Opera House site. Mr Piano has suggested embellishing and developing the inside of the opera house site to create a versatile recreational area which can be used for cultural activities in summer and winter. Mr Piano's original brief was to turn the old Royal Opera House ruins into a multi-purpose building that would host Parliament and also play a cultural role. However, Parliament's relocation from the Palace in Valletta sparked a national debate with many demanding that the site should be used exclusively for cultural purposes. During a visit to Malta last January, Mr Piano had remarked that Freedom Square was too empty and he expressed the opinion that shops should not be the first buildings people see upon entering a city like Valletta.

Piano is back in Malta next month, and as soon as we hear the outcome of the visit, we'll let you know...