‘Perfect Road Alignment’: New Paola Health Centre Engulfs Traditional Townhouse Street With Concrete Brutalism
As the Ċensu Moran Health Centre project is reaching a close, some residents are commenting on the impact this enormous building has created on the neighbourhood.
“It has replaced the the boċċi club and the garden,” independent candidate Arnold Cassola told Lovin Malta. “It is built in front of Pace Grasso (a football ground) which is falling apart instead of being built on it with a proper underground car park underneath.”
“They got rid of the garden since there is there is too much fresh air around there,” he quipped sarcastically.
Criticism was vociferous of way the building has been constructed.
“It’s obvious you don’t live here or you wouldn’t speak like that,” said a resident to someone defending the building on the grounds that it is a hospital.
“An ugly building which will choke the neighbourhood because it hasn’t been done properly with the excuse of the landfill in Pace Grasso.”
“Whatever it is this is not done at all. So because it’s the government they can block a road. Is it possible that they couldn’t find a more adequate place to build this clinic? I wonder if you had your house facing this wall whether you would have tolerated this monstrosity!” commented another resident.
“It’s true that it’s well needed but I’m sure something could have been done with that blank wall,” an aesthetically minded commenter chimed in. “It needed a bit of design that says: It’s true the building is oversized, but it is beautiful.”
Another suggested a nice mural on its walls.
The health centre is badly needed to alleviate the pressure on Mater Dei and will act as an emergency centre for the South. However, careful town planning is essential especially with large buildings in densely populated areas.
What do you make of this building?
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