'Disneyfied' viewing platform and panoramic lifts at Mediterranean Conference Centre raise anger

The Valletta local council has slammed plans to install a rooftop viewing platform and panoramic lifts at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, describing the proposal as “ill-conceived” and “not respectful”. In a strongly-worded objection, the council raised concerns about the effect of the proposal on the heritage of the Grade 1 scheduled building, originally the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of St John, as well as issues of noise pollution and traffic generation. The council also said that the approval of proposed rooms at roof level, larger than would be required for stores and bathroom facilities, opened the door for catering facilities to be created further down the line, rather than allowing the roof terrace to remain an area from which visitors view the surroundings. The extensive proposal, which includes restoration works, would create a raised viewing platform and glass railing on the roof of the MCC, as well as two “panoramic lifts” intended to ferry 32 passengers directly from the roof to the Long Ward. The railing will be receded and should not be visible from street level but it is still likely to affect a number of other key viewpoints, including the...