Reviving a historic garden

No garden in the world can come close in importance to our Upper Barrakka because no other garden can be so well placed in high ground above one of the world's most impressive natural harbours, surrounded by the most magnificent fortifications.

The project, which has just been inaugurated, has completely renovated this historic garden.

The origins of the Upper Barrakka garden go back to 1661, when in effect it was a 'private' garden of the Italian knights. The garden was only open to the public on June 24, feast of St John the Baptist.

It was not before 1824 that it was opened as a public garden. The Saluting battery, which in the past used to boast 18 bronze cannons, was open to the public only in 1924 when the staircase linking the two areas was built. During the war the garden suffered badly.

The Valletta Rehabilitation Project within the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure had already, in 1989, restored the arches, parts of which were very badly coated in black cement.

During 2003 the steps leading to the saluting battery were restored: in particular the base underneath Lord Strickland's monument was reinforced as its foundation consisted only of soil.

The main paving project only started in October and was finished on time and within budget. The ground of the garden was in a terrible state. The major part of the garden was covered in asphalt while the area between the arches was covered in the cheapest possible cement tiles.

The cement floor of the area of the balcony was very uneven and the iron balustrade did not fit properly in place. The old lampposts gave a very eerie light and every time there was a major event many more lights had to be added on.

The garden has now seen a really incredible transformation thanks mainly to the designer architect Dorianne Micallef and the light engineer Stephan Buttigieg.

The project was the result of months of discussion and of research into the transformation of the garden over the years. The design concept was to retain as much as possible what already existed and certainly the paths that have historic value.

At the same time a new design layout was introduced which enhances the beauty of the garden and introduces more interest in terms of the experience of the visitor.

The former elegance and glory of the garden has been maintained but at the same time has been given a more modern look.

The project is a completed integrated one. An irrigation system was installed, around 50 new mature trees planted, as were a very large number of shrubs (by the Environmental Landscapes Consortium).

The hedges were replaced. All the original trees were retained except for those causing structural damage. The garden bed area has actually been increased from 750m2 to 950m2.

Since the garden is used for public activities particular attention has been given to the better utilisation of the public spaces.

There is a betetr organisation and a more sensible flow of the spaces, while at the same time seeking to bring together and create harmony among the various elements and structures such as the water fountain (which has been renovated), the staircase leading down to the saluting battery and the kiosk.

This is mainly achieved by a well studied paving design. The paving material is all natural stone: Sicilian hard stone, porfido and river pebbles. Special attention was given to the area between the arcades.

The area of the balcony was completely renovated: the structure was corrected, an arch made instead of a large cement beam and the iron balustrade was restored.

Most of the monuments (including the kiosk) have been restored by the restoration units. Three of the remaining monuments will be restored in the coming months.

Special attention was given to the lighting system. The Barrakka area has wall mounted fittings with a cool white light highlighting the arches: this way the arches are well visible from afar, give a sense of space to the area and there is enough good lighting for the area.

Attention was given so that this light does not disturb the tranquil vision of the Grand Harbour. The arches also have a set of floodlights with a warm, comfortable white light to increase lighting on special occasions (with two levels of intensity).

There are three special lights for the kiosk area. The monuments have special lighting fixtures with a very white cold light which highlights all the important ones.

The trees have their own light and the olive trees in the main alley are particularly striking. The palm trees also have special lights. The main passages have recessed floor lights.

The fountain has a special lighting of its own. All in all there are 180 new light fittings. The result is really dramatic. Special care has been taken to minimise light pollution by using appropriate fittings, cut off angles and accessories such as glare shields, frosted glass and low wattage lamps.

The Upper Barrakka Garden can now truly be called the 'national' garden. The investment that has been made there has rendered the garden of a very high standard.

Thanks goes to all those that worked on this project, Government workers and contractors.

Special thanks go to Minister Ninu Zammit who gave the garden a lot of personal attention.

At VRP we are very proud indeed of the final results of this project and look forward to continuing our project to embellish all the gardens of Valletta and Floriana.

Dr Bondin is the executive co-ordinator of the Valletta and Floriana Rehabilitation Project within the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure.The historical information is from a historic report prepared by architect Michael Ellul.