Upgraded Upper Barrakka Garden to open for the public on May 1

The Upper Barrakka garden, which has been undergoing a Lm250,000 upgrading project over the past months, is scheduled to be officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister on April 29 and open to the public on May 1, said Valletta Rehabilitation Project executive coordinator Ray Bondin.

Dr Bondin yesterday expressed satisfaction with the work that has been carried out on what is considered by many to be Malta's "national garden" - it is the most visited garden by Maltese and tourists, Dr Bondin said, attracting over 700,000 tourists a year.

The garden, at the highest point in Valletta, gives arguably the best panoramic view of the aptly named Grand Harbour, from the breakwater inwards towards Marsa.

No stone was left unturned in the upgrading, and the quality of work and materials used went beyond the normal standards, in keeping with its importance, Dr Bondin said.

The project also involved the restoration of the 22 monuments and marble plaques in the garden. Most will have been restored by the time the garden re-opens for visiting.

Dr Bondin said it was now a matter of finishing touches and that everything had gone as planned.

As regards keeping it in a good state and protecting it from vandalism after the works were completed, Dr Bondin said the Upper Barrakka would be in the hands of the Environmental Landscapes Consortium. But the VRP was insisting on being involved in its management, to ensure that it was kept in a good condition, and that events held in the garden were in keeping with its importance.

The VRP was not against its use for activities, but stressed that they would have to be of a certain level. The upgrading, which included general embellishment to give the garden a more modern look, is part of a four-year project to rehabilitate gardens in the capital.

The services in the Upper Barrakka have been improved, a new lighting system, benches and street furniture installed, more trees planted, and new paving has been laid, while the bastions have been cleaned, the garden's balcony restored and the kiosk refurbished.

The idea behind the garden's restoration was to maintain and improve its historical value, while introducing a design that complemented the area and attracted visitors.