Ensuring the Survival of our Historic Buildings
The heritage and environment group Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) welcomes the initiative by Government to acquire properties that are of cultural or historical significance so that they may be preserved for posterity by the Nation.
The NGO suggests that this legislation focuses on sites and properties that are at risk and proposes the drawing up of a single list of buildings that are of historic and cultural value by those technically competent in the field. A National Restoration Strategy should be drawn up to include a plan of action and listing the sites most in need of urgent work in order to ensure their survival. There is a lot of work to be done and though this legislation is commendable, it will be crippled while heritage authorities such as the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and MEPA’s Heritage Unit remain grossly understaffed and the Heritage Advisory Committees is left without resources. If MEPA’s DCC boards are allowed to ignore these authorities, treasured structures in our towns and villages will continue to be in danger.
Since appropriation of property is an extreme measure, FAA urges that other tools available should also be used in the effort to preserve heritage. This includes MEPA’s power to issue conservation orders and to order the owners of deteriorating scheduled properties to undertake restoration works. If the owner fails to do this MEPA may itself carry out the necessary works and charge the owner of the scheduled property. FAA fails to understand why this solution has not been pursued with greater vigour in the case of Australia Hall in Pembroke owned by the PL and the Queen’s former residence, Villa Guardamangia in Pieta, both in an advanced state of deterioration.
It is laudable that this bill is not only aimed at archaeological sites, fortifications and buildings of architectural merit, but for the first time recognises that buildings closely connected to major historical events which have significantly contributed to the national memory or to our national identity also deserve preservation.
While FAA emphasises the importance that such properties only be used for public purposes, it suggests that, given the impossibility of converting all large historic houses into museums, Government should think creatively about a wider scope of re-use of such properties. One such use could be homes for elderly people which are ideally suited to large properties with beautiful gardens; MEPA has already designated one such property for this function and it is possible that other properties could be put to similar use.
FAA highlights the fact that for the first time this bill will give property owners the right to appeal against appropriation and challenge the public use of their property. FAA once again insists that owners of scheduled properties should be given assistance to maintain such architectural gems for the benefit of the nation. A scheme of financial assistance for works to scheduled properties was included in last year’s budget but the actual scheme was never announced. Programmes should also be held to give construction workers training in restoration skills
FAA appreciates the fact that NGOs were consulted on this legislation and is encouraged that the authorities are beginning to recognise that the way forward is through ongoing consultation with civil society.
