Construction of New Opera House in Malta to Begin Soon

Construction will soon begin at the Royal Opera House in Valletta, Malta, following the go-ahead being given by the government.

The €100m ($176m) project is part of the plan to transform the country’s capital into an international gateway.

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, in partnership with Maltese firm Architecture Project, the plan involves turning the traditional opera house into an open-air performance space.

The new design, similar to the original building, will add a sail-like canopy supported by steel columns to curb noise from the residential areas.

The project will also include constructing a brand new parliament building and demolition of the gates leading into the old city.

It is scheduled for completion in 2012, according to nzherald.co.nz.

The structure has been in ruins ever since it was bombed during World War II.