Local council wants Spinola Palace to be included as historical site in Paceville masterplan

The council is only requesting the devolution of the palace

St Julian’s local council has sent a request to the government proposing that Spinola Palace is included in the historic sites earmarked for preservation by the controversial Paceville masterplan.

Apart from high-rise buildings, land reclamation and even a tunnel, the €300 million masterplan also includes sites of historical value. Albert Buttigieg, the Deputy Mayor, has proposed that the palace in Spinola is included in the list of these historical sites.

Unlike meetings in the past regarding this masterplan, the local council members from both sides of the political spectrum, agreed with Mr Buttigieg’s proposal and unanimously sent a request to the Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Deborah Schembri and to the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

In the past, the Spinola Palace in St Julian’s has served as a hospital and as a school. Now, the local council is proposing that the administration of this palace be handed to the council so that it is run by the council. Speaking to The Malta Independent, Albert Buttigieg explained that the land will still be government’s property, as the council is only requesting the devolution of the palace.

“We intend to transform the palace into a space for a day centre, public library, community hall and a cultural centre. I proposed the idea because I believe the government can make better use of this space,” he explains.

Meetings at the St Julian’s local council did not always end on a good note. When members were asked to take a vote on a motion regarding the masterplan, Labour Party members stormed out of the meeting as the council opposed the plan.

The motion was endorsed by mayor Guido Dalli, deputy mayor Albert Buttigieg, and councillors Clayton Luke Mula, Rita Dimech Portelli, Clayton Tanti Gregoraci and Edgar Montanaro.