More than a year after The Shift published serious allegations concerning AP Valletta’s work at the Bartolott Crypt at St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Kamra tal-Periti has concluded its investigation by unanimously clearing Perit Danica Cachia Mifsud and Perit Konrad Buhagiar of any wrongdoing.
Image Credit: Susannah Farrugia
The proceedings were triggered by reporting claiming that a newly installed floor had “caved in”, that the project was “in collapse” and that “severe damage” had been caused to the historic resting place of Knights of the Order of St John.
After examining the evidence, the Kamra tal-Periti found those central claims to be unfounded. It found no persuasive evidence that the Crypt floor had collapsed or caved in, or that damage had been caused to the historic fabric or burial chambers. The localised settlement observed during the works was attributed to pre-existing conditions, with no causal link found between AP Valletta’s design and the settlement.
The Council also concluded that the architects had acted “with due diligence and transparency throughout”, promptly reporting and addressing the issue in consultation with, and with the approval of, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. 2503 – AP Valletta – Final Deci…
Council expressly addressed The Shift’s reporting, finding that the descriptions “caved in”, “project in collapse” and “severe damage” were not supported by the evidence. It described the reporting as “materially misguided” and regretted the reputational harm and professional cost caused to the architectsThe decision was unanimous, with no breach found under any of the four heads of professional conduct considered. The proceedings were accordingly closed without sanction.
AP Valletta, Perit Cachia Mifsud and Perit Buhagiar were represented throughout the proceedings by Dalli Advocates.