Valletta shop fronts

A new shop front being fitted at the top of Republic Street, Valletta, has already concealed more than half the height of a wrought iron upper balcony. Such an intervention looks aggressive and deforms the symmetrical elevation of the original design of the façade which is so common in Valletta.

But why cannot new shop fronts in Valletta, if the old structure needs to be removed, re-expose the original apertures? Such apertures, arched or otherwise, are often not only embellished with pleasant mouldings and reliefs but also form an integral part of the original symmetrical façade. So many shops in Valletta have distorted this baroque architectural feature on its marvellous palaces and dwellings.

When such apertures exist, even the simplest ones, especially when they have been conserved for years under the previous structure, they should not be concealed again and forever under bulky shop fronts encroaching over the original architectural elements. Even the use of heavy metal shutters may be avoided in this commercial area thanks to today's security technology backed by regular police inspection at night.

A newly refurbished shop very close to the one in question and corner with South Street has been successfully and sensibly maintained, as have a few others in the city.

As for exterior design, there have been some very positive results in a few refurbished outlets but I think a similar aesthetic awareness is desired in all such cases. Let us keep in mind that no faults are minor in the conservation of our patrimony; and in the conservation of Valletta, any present faults, even if well intended, would become permanent over the years.