After a year's work by the Valletta Alive Initiative, its members are launching the Valletta Alive Foundation on Friday at 12.30 p.m. at the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise during which a foundation charter will be signed.

A number of organisations set up a lobby group in August 2003 with the aim of doing more for Valletta. The idea was the brainchild of Victor Fenech Azzopardi, president of the Republic Street Business Community Association, who thought of bringing the commercial community and public sector together.

The following bodies are founder members of the foundation: the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU), Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, Malta Tourism Authority, Republic Street Business Community, Merchants Street Business Community, Valletta and Floriana Rehabilitation Committee, and Valletta Council.

"This is the first time that these sections are coming together," Alfred Zahra, one of the foundation's founding members, said. "Besides the Valletta population, the vast business community plays an important role in giving life to Valletta... the city is one entire arcade with many shops for the same item."

Apart from the business community, the city also caters for cultural and religious activities - for example, about 40 Masses are celebrated in Valletta churches every day. "We wouldn't like Valletta to be like Mdina... the city needs to be alive," Mr Zahra said.

The foundation aims to see people invest more in Valletta as a capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The foundation wants to see the city made more accessible by improving on parking space and connections from the sea passenger terminal at Grand Harbour.

There already is the Sliema-Valletta ferry service, but "we also need a lift at the Upper Barracca", Mr Zahra said, adding: "The government had issued a tender, however no one expressed an interest."

There is also the need to make the city more pedestrian-friendly. Infra-structure problems - cleanliness and pavements - and problems created by the open-air market (Il-Monti) in Merchants Street, must be resolved. The market, which is creating problems for property owners in Merchant Street, needs to be more organised and less intrusive, to allow pedestrians to pass more freely, he said.

Government was considering having the city centre pedestrianised, including Merchants Street, which VAI supported.

The setting up of the foundation will enable a more permanent set-up and VAI will be able to benefit from its funds.

The foundation will accept members who have an interest in Valletta. It is open to all - citizens and corporate businesses such as banks, and non-government organisations, like band clubs.

The two patrons of the foundation will be Jesmond Mugliett, Minister of Urban Development and Roads, and Paul Borg Olivier, Mayor of Valletta. Mr Zahra has been appointed chairman; he is an independent businessman and not involved in any business organisation.

The foundation can only operate smoothly if it has sufficient financial resources. It therefore needs an extensive membership base and more people who are willing to contribute towards it.

Bank of Valletta is the foundation's main sponsor, and will be present with an information desk at the launch.

Those interested in becoming members can apply at the launch on Friday. For more information on the foundation and a registration form e-mail eb@chamber.org.mt.