Embellishment works at Vittoriosa Waterfront inaugurated

The Prime Minister inaugurated the embellishment works at the Vittoriosa Waterfront during a mini Notte Bianca, yesterday.

Landscaping work was listed as an obligation by the government when the contracts were signed with the two original consortia in 1999, the Prime Minister said.

Projects like that of the Vittoriosa Waterfront were meant to generate employment and commerce and provide recreational areas, Dr Gonzi added.

The cost of the works is expected to approach the half a million liri mark, half of which was paid by the four entities operating along the harbourfront: the Cottonera Waterfront Group, Grand Harbour Marina, Casino di Venezia and Treasury Development Co. Ltd.

The bulk of the work was undertaken in the first phase last year, consisting of the paving of the area between the Admiralty Gate and the Menqa close to Fort St Angelo.

The second phase, including the lighting and the embellishment of the waterfront with trees and shrubs, was completed last week.

The landscaping binds the various elements along the historic waterfront such as the Casino di Venezia, the Grand Harbour Marina, St Angelo Mansions and the various catering outlets that have sprouted at the Old Treasury Building, next to the Maritime Museum.

Other catering and retail outlets will be opening along the front in the coming days.

Several street entertainers, re-enactors and the police band were in attendance during the official opening.