Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Sport, Culture and the Arts expresses satisfaction at Malta 2000 Project

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Sport, Culture and the Arts, and the Department of Culture, would like to express their utmost satisfaction at the announcement of the "Malta 2000 project" by the Prime Minister, Dr. Alfred Sant.

The Development Brief for the Project foresees the development of the former Royal Opera House site together with Freedom Square. This will surely prove to be an impetus for the enhancement of culture and art in both Valletta and the country as a whole.

The development of the former Royal Opera House site signals a continuing commitment to place Valletta on the level that our Capital City deserves. This project also means that what has been an eyesore for over half a century, will be transformed into a mecca for visual and performance artists and art lovers, for generations to come.

The proposed uses include a multi-purpose hall capable of hosting theatrical presentations, conferences, seminars, concerts, and exhibitions. A permanent exhibition hall is also being proposed while it is being recommended that facilities for multi-media presentations, a specialised art library, and a retail outlet for specialised arts, be included.

With this project, together with the continuance of the St. James Cavalier developments which are presently underway, culture and art are being given the prominence they deserve by a Government which has the courage to look forward to the future and give pride to the Maltese people.