Archbishop orders investigation into order’s Bay Street land deal

Archbishop Charles Scicluna has requested that the Church Environment Commission look into reports relating to the proposed 12-storey development by Bay Street Holdings on land owned by the Augustinian Order.

Former Alternattiva Demokratika leader Arnold Cassola announced the Archbishop’s decision on Facebook, referring to it as ‘good news’, after the former had initially voiced his frustration regarding the issue.

“With reference to your Facebook post, please note that on learning about the project in Paceville, the Archbishop asked the Church Environment Commission to look into the facts related to this proposed development by Bay Street Holdings on land owned by the Augustinian Order,” the Curia’s PRO, Kevin Papagiorcopulo, told Cassola.

“On its part, after due investigation, the Church Environment Commission will voice any concerns it may have in a clear, analytical and unequivocal manner, according to the principles it has always advocated, in the best interest of the common good.”

On Tuesday, Malta Today reported that the land owned by the order has been negotiated for its release to the owners of the Bay Street Complex, with plans for a 12-storey building, with four-star accommodation and an office complex.

The land is currently being used as a makeshift car park.

In a first post, Cassola had slammed the plan. “Don’t you think that the Church should work against this race towards making money, rather than joining it?” he wrote. “Don’t you think that the Church should strive for residents’ better quality of life rather than contributing to destroying it?”