Revival of Valletta

The City of Valletta has much to offer the visitor. Much has been done of late in refurbishing and, in certain places, restoring what had been broken or neglected. But - and it is a very big but - much has yet to be done.

To start off with, let us consider capital projects. The entrance to the city and its environs cry out for a big project. Indeed the projects are complete on the drawing board. They have yet to be activated. Some of the projects have been on hold for a number of years. For far too long, in fact.

The imaginative change of St James Cavalier is alright as far as it goes. The fortification built by the Knights to defend Valletta was recreated by architect Richard England into a Centre for Creativity.

And yet the complementary building is still on the drawing board. I refer, of course, to filling the void left at the city's entrance by the German air-borne mines during World War II. An opera house has been planned, or a multi-purpose hall of dimensions that could accommodate hundreds. This is not just pious thinking. This is what exists in all the capitals of Europe. Actually the big cities vie with the capital in enticing tourists with shows such as opera, ballet, concerts, operettas and musical comedies, stage productions of dramas and comedies.

Entrance to the city

The city gate is a monstrous example of fascist-style architecture. Here too competitions have been held for its design, both locally inspired and open as well to foreign architects.

The submitted designs and models had been exhibited and a heated debate raged for quite some time. But once again nothing materialised. Everything has been shelved.

A corollary to the entrance of the city is the bus terminus. Modern times demand a terminus which is completely different from the shabby, dirty one which at one end has been turned into a Middle Eastern suq.

Most of the city's pavements are a danger to life and limb. In this case there is the perfect notorious example of lack of collaboration between the various government departments concerned. Pavements and steps are dug up for the laying of telephone and electricity cables, water and drainage pipes.

Other reasons for digging up pavements and steps are to widen and narrow roads to provide spaces for parking of cars. Then, instead of putting the steps back as these were originally laid, contractors who do not care for the environment make a mess of 'restoration', further increasing the danger to pedestrians.

Lower Valletta

The lower end of Valletta, the part between Grand Harbour and Marsamxett, is crying out for restoration, readjustment and refurbishment. And this for culturally, socially, aesthetically acceptable standards. The worst part that needs attention is the area in which are the granaries facing Fort St Elmo, the Fort itself and Lower Elmo.

The whole area or several parts of it can be turned into tourist-oriented outlets. In the eventuality of such a process the original aspect for which the area was intended. It should not be changed into aluminium and glass construction. Nor, of course, must be the aggressive aspect of the place as originally planned be left without any creative thinking into acceptable change.

Apart from the In Guardia and Allarme! enactments, pageants and son et lumiere shows should be held practically all the year round inside Fort St Elmo.

Local councils' participation

A friend of mine who had been involved in the tourist industry for a number of years came out with a set of brilliant ideas for "giving new life to our capital city", as he put it.

Alex Borg's ideas focussed on making innovative use of local councils. He suggests that these councils could enhance the activities of their localities into a set of entertaining events. Then every council takes the series of events for a whole week once a year to enliven Valletta.

Each programme will include a march by the locality's band and a concert in which performers from the locality take part. There will be animation and street theatre.

A picture exhibition or a pageant depicting the history of the locality will be most interesting and entertaining. This will serve a double purpose, bringing to the notice of spectators the character of the locality and at the same time enlivening the lifestyle of the city. Food and wine exhibition, choirs, late night market, folklore singing and dancing can be included in the programme.

These events will be over and above the festivities and functions usually held during the different times of the year in Valletta.