Project Descript ion Statemen IN COLLABORATION WrTH LINO BIANCO & Associates ! I Heritage Malta 99, Triq Ceneu Buoe;a, Tel.: (356) 21241747 OldUnivenity~ Tel.: (356)2295400:> Hamrun HMR 10, M Ita Fax.: (356) 21251302 Marcbaot.s Street, Valktta VL T 03, Malta Fax: (356) 21222900 Table of Contents ii.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................0 0.1 Terms of Reference ...............................................................................................................1 0.2 The Issue................................................................................................................................1 1.0 Background Information ...................................................................................................................3 1.1 The Applicant .........................................................................................................................4 1.2 The Development Proposal ...................................................................................................4 1.3 Scope of the Project Description Statement..........................................................................5 1.4 Conceptual Perspectives: A Chronology...............................................................................6 1.4.1 Tourism Development Plan, 1989 .............................................................................6 1.4.2 Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands, 1992.............................................................6 1.4.3 Environmental Planning Statement, 1994.................................................................7 1.4.4 Condition Assessment and Conservation Strategy, 1999 ........................................8 1.4.5 Cabinet Discussion Paper: The Conservation of Malta’s Megalithic Temples, July 2000....................................................................................................................9 1.4.6 Draft Architectural Brief for Visitor’s Centre, 2001...................................................11 1.4.7 Draft Design Briefs for the Protective Shelters at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, 2001..12 1.4.8 Draft Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Management Plan, 2002............................................14 1.4.9 International Design Competition, 2003 ..................................................................14 2.0 The Proposed Development: Considerations................................................................................20 2.1 Major Causes of Deterioration of Temple Structures .........................................................21 2.2 Protection Strategies: A History ..........................................................................................21 2.2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................21 2.2.2 Interventions.............................................................................................................22 2.2.2.1 Hagar Qim................................................................................................22 2.2.2.2 Mnajdra ....................................................................................................23 2.2.2.3 Hamrija Watchtower.................................................................................24 2.3 Current State of Temple Structures.....................................................................................24 2.4 Justification of the Proposal .................................................................................................25 PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATEMENT Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples Conservation and Interpretation Project 2.5 Alternative Methods of Protection........................................................................................27 2.6 Technical Description of Proposal .......................................................................................27 2.6.1 Design Philosophy ...................................................................................................27 2.6.2 The Project...............................................................................................................28 2.6.2.1 Visitors’ Centre .........................................................................................29 2.6.2.2 Walkways .................................................................................................30 2.6.2.3 Security System .......................................................................................31 2.6.2.3.1 Fencing .................................................................................31 2.6.2.3.2 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).........................................31 2.6.2.3.3 Lighting..................................................................................31 2.6.2.4 Protective Shelters ...................................................................................31 2.7 Raw Materials and Wastes Management Plan...................................................................33 2.8 Socio-economic Objectives .................................................................................................33 2.8.1 Visitor Survey ...........................................................................................................33 2.8.2 Carrying Capacity.....................................................................................................35 2.8.3 Economic Objectives ...............................................................................................35 2.8.4 Social Objectives......................................................................................................36 2.8.5 Cultural Objectives...................................................................................................36 2.9 Economic Considerations ....................................................................................................36 2.9.1 Project Timeline .......................................................................................................36 2.9.2 Economic Feasibility ................................................................................................37 2.9.3 Employment .............................................................................................................37 2.9.4 Funding ....................................................................................................................38 3.0 Environmental Characteristics of the Site ......................................................................................44 3.1 The Study Area ....................................................................................................................45 3.2 Topography ..........................................................................................................................45 3.3 Geocultural Setting...............................................................................................................46 3.3.1 Geology....................................................................................................................46 3.3.2 Cultural Assets .........................................................................................................46 3.3.2.1 Hagar Qim................................................................................................46 3.3.2.2 Mnajdra ....................................................................................................47 3.3.2.3 Misqa Tanks.............................................................................................47 3.3.2.4 Hamrija Tower..........................................................................................47 3.3.2.5 Congreve Memorial..................................................................................47 3.4 Landuse................................................................................................................................47 LINO BIANCO & ASSOCIATES in collaboration with HERITAGE MALTA III December 2004 PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATEMENT Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples Conservation and Interpretation Project 3.4.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................47 3.4.2 Mineral Extraction Potential .....................................................................................48 3.4.3 Agriculture and Soils ................................................................................................48 3.4.4 Ecology.....................................................................................................................49 3.5 Scheduling............................................................................................................................49 3.6 Planning Considerations......................................................................................................50 3.7 Socio-Economic Setting.......................................................................................................50 3.8 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................51 3.8.1 Access......................................................................................................................51 3.8.2 Utilities......................................................................................................................51