Valletta market renovation approved – neighbours complain about possible noise from terrace

The Valletta market is to be renovated and re-opened as per an approved Planning Authority application .

The market will be divided into three areas. The basement level will feature fresh food stalls, the ground floor will be a kind of food court, where stalls selling different food will be present. The higher floors will be a multi-purpose space, for conferences, product launches and restaurants.

The market, located on Merchants Street, will also include an open terrace on the roof, which was the focus of the only major complaint made by residents. Residents appreciated the restoration and rehabilitation of the building, however argued that such a space could be used for a restaurant or events which would result in more noise.

The applicant, however, said that the space, which was originally to take up most of the roof, was pushed back after they heard the residents’ complaints. The owner, however, was not willing to push back the site any further, stating that such a move would break the project due to delays.

The applicant also said that the issue is subjective, and if they were to propose pushing back the space, arguments would arise over the amount it would be pushed back.

Members of the Planning Authority Board asked whether it would be possible to enclose the terrace. Architect J Philip Micallef said that if it were up to his client they would prefer this, but that they would be unable to do this due to other restrictions from other official entities.

The permit was approved, on condition that a proposal for enclosing the terrace is supplied and that alterations to the design would see a glass railing replace a wrought iron one.