Żabbar Council Buys Hompesch Theatre to Save It from Development
Żabbar Council Steps In to Rescue Hompesch Theatre from Developer’s Clutches
Imagine the Hompesch Theatre, a grand old dame of Żabbar’s theatre scene, reduced to a mere memory, replaced by a towering block of apartments. This was the grim reality Żabbar locals faced until their council stepped in, buying the historic theatre to save it from potential development. But what led to this dramatic turn of events, and what does the future hold for this beloved cultural gem?
From Grandeur to Neglect
The Hompesch Theatre, located on Triq San Ġorġ Preca, has seen better days. Once a beacon of Żabbar’s cultural life, it fell into disrepair after its closure in the 1990s. Despite its decline, the theatre remained an icon, its grand facade a testament to Żabbar’s rich theatrical history. However, its future looked bleak when plans emerged to replace it with a residential complex.
“We couldn’t let that happen,” says Żabbar Mayor, Joseph Saliba. “The Hompesch Theatre is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of our community’s cultural heritage.”
Council Steps In, Buys Theatre for €1.2 Million
In a move that has sparked both relief and excitement among locals, Żabbar Council bought the Hompesch Theatre for €1.2 million. The council outbid a local developer, securing the theatre’s future and averting its potential demolition.
Saliba explains, “We knew we had to act fast. We couldn’t stand by and watch our cultural heritage be swept away by development. We’re committed to preserving Żabbar’s identity, and the Hompesch Theatre is a crucial part of that.”
What’s Next for the Hompesch Theatre?
Now that Żabbar Council owns the theatre, the question turns to its future. The council has plans to restore and renovate the historic building, transforming it into a multi-purpose cultural centre.
Saliba envisions a space that caters to various arts, from theatre and music to visual arts. “We want the Hompesch Theatre to be a hub of creativity, a place where our community can come together to celebrate and create art.”
However, the road to restoration won’t be easy. The theatre requires significant investment, and the council is exploring funding opportunities from both local and EU sources.
“We’re determined to see this through,” Saliba insists. “We’ve saved the Hompesch Theatre from demolition, and now we’re committed to giving it a new lease on life.”
