Plan to make Vittoriosa grand again

A master plan to restore Vittoriosa to its former glory, and hopefully put it on the map as a Unesco World Heritage Site, was unveiled yesterday.

The plan, commissioned by the Cottonera Rehabilitation Project (CRP) and called From Words to Action, includes a number of suggestions that could improve the maritime city, and, according to architect and urbanist Arie Rahamimoff, one of the two experts who worked on the plan, could also improve the quality of life of its residents.

"A good plan can stimulate the economy by developing tourism," he said, adding that Vittoriosa had the potential to become a tourist attraction not only for Malta but also for Europe.

Mr Rahamimoff said Vittoriosa was still alive because people lived in it, and this was reflected in the master plan, which respected the past but also showed the direction to the future.

The other expert, architect and conservator Giora Solar, said the residents of Vittoriosa were proud of their city, and this pride was born of both the city's history and its culture. He stressed that the support of the residents, together with political support, was needed for the plan to move from paper to fact. He expressed the hope that the plan would not "end up collecting dust on shelves".

Mr Solar said Vittoriosa's important role in the Great Siege of 1565 was not given enough weight; the siege was very important in its time. History has it that Vittoriosa earned its name because of its victory during the Great Siege. In fact, Fort St Angelo, which stands at the tip of the peninsula, was the headquarters of the Knights.

Vittoriosa is rich in heritage. Important buildings include the Inquisitor's Palace, the Maritime Museum, the Auberge de France, the Galley Arsenal, Caraffa Stores and the Grand Master's Palace, all dating back hundreds of years.

Ray Bondin, executive coordinator of the Cottonera Rehabilitation Project (CRP), said the town itself was underestimated by both Maltese and foreigners. He said the number of tourists who visited Vittoriosa was only a tenth of those who visited Mdina.

"There is no doubt about the historical importance of Vittoriosa," he said, adding that it was the island's hub before Valletta was built. In fact, the Knights chose it as the seat of their convent.

Dr Bondin said the CRP worked regularly with the Malta Tourism Authority to promote the town and underlined the importance of motivating tour operators to take tourists there.

Copies of the Lm40,000 master plan were yesterday presented to President Eddie Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit during a presentation at the Armoury, which had served as a naval hospital and a military barracks.

The master plan includes several important projects, including one to improve the traffic and parking system. Mr Solar said there was no place for coaches to park at the moment, and this could be one of the factors discouraging tourists from visiting.

"The master plan suggests parking solutions," he said.

Another possible deterrent to more tourist visits was the lack of cafeterias and restaurants.

The city's main square, Victory Square, also features in the master plan. The square was known as Piazza dell'Orologio (Clock Square) after its Clock Tower, until 1801. However, this landmark was destroyed during World War II. The master plan envisages a better parking system in the square.

Mr Solar said that in his opinion the Clock Tower should be rebuilt, as this has both symbolic and aesthetic significance. Mr Rahamimoff agreed, saying the Clock Tower made an important contribution to the sky line. He said it would also be a place from where people could enjoy a view of the Grand Harbour.

The master plan also outlines the importance of the city's fortifications. Mr Solar said there was no doubt that Vittoriosa's fortifications were at World Heritage level. Reiterating this, Dr Bondin said Vittoriosa had the biggest fortification system in the world, and was the only one still entirely intact.

"If the fortifications are not maintained, the feel of the city will change completely," Mr Solar said.

Another important aspect of the master plan is the creation of a "museum diamond", making the most of the 10 museums in the area and turning Vittoriosa into a city of culture.

Dr Bondin pledged that the master plan would not remain on paper but would be implemented over a number of years.

Master plans for the rest of Cottonera are also expected to be drawn up.