Palace Square to be ready for Spanish King
King Juan Carlos of Spain is expected to the first head of state to use the newly paved St George’s Square, work on which is expected to be concluded by November 17.
Resources Minister George Pullicino visited the works this morning, accompanied by artistic director Carlo Schembri and Valletta Rehabilitation Project architect Claude Borg
The minister said that most of the paving was now ready and water jets for the ground fountain were taking shape.
In spite of the fountain, parades and concerts could still take place because the fountain could be switched off and covered flush on the ground.
The fountain, Mr Pullicino said, was being integrated with lighting and synchronised shows of light, music and water were to become a regular attraction.
The works on St Georges Square are being complemented by restoration works on palace with the works on the front and the side having already started, while those on the back were expected to start soon.
Republic Street in front of the Palacehas also been paved and will be closed off to traffic except when necessary. It is hoped that the part of Theatre Street joining the Square to Republic Street would be paved by Saturday, in time to facilitate access to Notte Bianca.
The restoration of the Main Guard is also underway and the restored clock in the centre of its portico should be in place next week. The existing lateral fountains will also be lit up. Citrus trees, chosen because of their smell, would be positioned in hardstone troughs.
Mr Pullicino said the ministry was also planning to start a drive to introduce a drive to clean up other parts of Valletta, to make the city a dignified one. A streamer put up by one operator, for example, was not in line with this concept and operators had to realise that they were in a dignified capital.
Shops which had projecting signs under the arcades in Independence Square also had to have them removed, he said.
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Daren Cassar
Sep 30th 2009, 05:52
This is all money down the drain. The money could have been used for restoration of Valletta.
There are numerous palaces with knights period facade decorations and coat of arms which are deteriorating not to mention st Elmo,st Angelo and the bastions.
IN my opinion the modernising this square was certainly not a priority.
Why are projects only done to serve as political propaganda?
Franco Farrugia
Sep 29th 2009, 20:55
Why is Valletta so shabby? The shabbiness comes from the people living in it and frequenting it. Don't you stop and notice how shabby and strange people in Valletta look? It attracts such filth, I am sorry to say. I really find it strange when people say that Valletta is a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen. It was neither builty by such, nor is it inhabited by such. But is it just me that sees these things? Crazy-looking people walking up and down Republic Street, people who are underdressed - some even wearing flokkijiet ta' taht with tattooes showing and smelling filthy ... this is no dignity for Valletta.
alexander pace gouder
Sep 29th 2009, 18:27
It costs Malta money when someone such as Kings, Queens, Pope come to Malta but at least we Taxpayers get something back. That is from were these personalities are to pass we get New Surfaced Roads and cleaning up of said roads etc., So please bring as many personalities as possible. Maybe in a few years if not months (Record breaking) all roads in Malta will be resurfaced and we will have a cleaner MALTA.
Joseph Schembri
Sep 29th 2009, 17:49
The more kings and queens we get the better for us Maltese as schedules are stuck to and projects finished on time!
More seriously, seeing that the king will be visiting Malta - perhaps his visit can be followed by one by his prime minister. Zapatero is one of the best European leaders when it comes to human (also animal) rights and civil liberties. Our conservative Prime Minister and Minister of Justice can surely take a leaf or two out of his book.
A. Grech
Sep 29th 2009, 17:48
Well done Hon. Pullicino. Show H.R.H. King Carlos the new fountain but take him up from infront of Castill so he will not notice the Tritoni Fountain.
mario gellel
Sep 29th 2009, 16:55
THREE CHEERS TO KING JUAN CARLO
NEXT YEAR THE POPE
THE YEAR AFTER THE ???
AND SOME PROJECT IS DONE FOR THEM AT LEAST...
THREE CHEERS TO GONZIPN..