A Win For Open Spaces: FAA And Activists Save Bormla Public Library Roof
Activist group Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar together with Bormla residents were successful in saving the Bormla Public Library overhead space.
The roof of the public library, which is one of the few open spaces in the area, was set to be taken over by plans for a cafeteria.
The applicant for the development is the guest house owner adjoining the roof of the library, a spot which is often used by people as a seating area.
“FAA objected to the title of ownership of the roof since no information was made available to the public about an agreement allegedly made between the Lands Authority and the private business,” FAA said in a press statement.
“FAA maintains that such public spaces cannot simply be given away by Lands Authority to the detriment of the community. Further policy breaches highlighted by FAA include the library’s location within the UCA where the FAA maintains that the strictly residential nature and character of the location must be protected at all costs,” FAA stressed.
FAA condemns the fact that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage approved this application, in spite of the fact that it is a listed scheduled building, and will create a precedent for commercialisation.
Allowing the operation of a cafe would also lead to a lot of disturbance for the 27 private residences surrounding this low-level library roof.
The public library is located in an Urban Conservation Area, situated at the lower end of Triq l-Oratorju, which is an area already experiencing parking problems.
“This case shows how NGOs and residents working together can succeed in protecting the quality of life of their locality and we thank the residents of this Bormla community for their strong support,” FAA stated.
It also expressed its relief at the Planning Commission for giving the well-being and quality of life of an Urban Village Core priority over the commercial interests of a private business, thereby ensuring that this public open space is safeguarded for the residents.
What do you make of this win for public spaces?
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