Labour MP: ‘No Space For Swimming Pool And Dorm At American University Of Malta In Bormla’
An outspoken Labour MP has said there is no space for a new American University of Malta dormitory and swimming pool, instead calling for a “much-needed” carpark and an embellishment project for the area.
Glenn Bedingfield tweeted his sentiment today after making his reservations about the planned dormitories being built in the only open space between Bormla and Isla earlier this week. Since then, eNGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) has supported his statement.
“The fact that the PA postponed its decision on AUM’s dormitory means it has second thoughts. Refusing it, is the most sensible decision. Kottonera doesn’t need a dorm with a rooftop pool. An embellishment project including much-needed carpark makes more sense for the area,” Bedingfield said.
The FAA had called this application “the worst practice in planning”
The NGO condemned the plan and called on the government to “see sense on relocating both the dormitories and the AUM administrative buildings”.
“The Planning Authority should work to provide more open spaces that are so essential to residents’ health, most especially within densely built-up urban areas like the Three Cities, and not allow those that exist today to be taken over for private use and speculative gain to the detriment of the people of Cottonera,” the group said in a statement.
The eNGO also pointed out some alternative sites to build the proposed dormitory.
“This will have the added bonus of restoring the historic Fortizza tas-Salvatur or the Palazz tal-Kaptan tal-Galjuni, while freeing up Dock One for uses that will have a greater socio-economic benefit than the AUM,” they stated.
Do you think the AUM should get a new dormitory and rooftop swimming pool?
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