Fiona Galea Debono
'The past with a modern inspiration'
St George's Square, in Valletta has re-acquired its true function as the heart of the capital, six months after the last car parked in the "stolen" area that has now been returned to the public.
"A mirror of the past with a modern inspiration," the square was not just a piazza for parades but also for the people. It was not just a picture for postcards but has been brought to life, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said at the inauguration last night.
The new fountain and lighting in Valletta's embellished square were switched on in the evening's inaugural event that included an acrobatic show, based on the elements of light, water and space.
It was choreographed by Jochen Schweizer, also responsible for the celebrations marking the restoration of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the opening of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Rockefeller Centre in New York.
The square has been repaved and refitted with lampposts, benches and water jets but, should the need arise, the street furniture can be removed and the fountains covered while wiring can now be routed through underground tunnels.
Dr Gonzi said the square witnessed important historical events and the creation of the Maltese identity throughout the ages, continuing to play a role in economic and social activity, tourism, politics and even family events.
St George's Square was a link in the chain that would see the President's Palace obtain the status it deserved and its transformation into a showcase of the Maltese identity and culture.
Finally, the full appreciation of the palace's architecture would be allowed and the jewel that was being restored would have a deserved entrance, Dr Gonzi said.
The embellishment project was an "investment in the past for the future," he said.
Resources and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said the image of the 3,500-square metre piazza was completely transformed within six months. About 70 workers had been employed on the job.
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M. J. Mallia
Dec 7th 2009, 23:34
Are the wrought iron railings there on a permanent basis? If so, then what is the reason, and why have they been placed exactly next to the squarish benches by the roadside, leaving no leg-room whatsoever?
As for the rest of the piazza, it is simply a hotpotch of bad-taste and impracticality, starting from the railings hindering free movement across the piazza, to the wet fountain surrounds - not to mention the hideous benches within the piazza itself and the non-descript metal structures on its periphery..
Michael Neville Cassar
Dec 7th 2009, 18:21
While a change of St George's square looks better I cannot understand why an under ground corridor with shelves on the side for passing service’s such as water electricity TV cables telephone lines and other communication lines have not been passed. As it is any fault that happens, the tiles and work done will have to be broken up again to do repair. The under ground corridor could be entered from a designated points so workers can repair when needed with lightning, and air ventilation system and wide enough to take a fork lifter.
victor pulis
Dec 7th 2009, 17:44
I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about. Does the repaving of a square merit a week long celebration? I am anxiously waiting the inauguration of the new parliament which proportionately should deserve at least six months of festivities not counting the celebrations connected with the city non gate and the open air theatre!!
c. camilleric
Dec 7th 2009, 16:50
Well done job. Now it is up to us to keep it that way. Why it is that we always read moaning and whining about something that goes wrong and such a good job gets little attention. It seems that the saying Maltese gemgem is quite fitting.
Stephan Piazza
Dec 7th 2009, 13:16
Excellent Job!!! Now please clean the rest of Valletta...
g. scerri
Dec 7th 2009, 12:39
Why all this emphasis on returning to us what was "stolen"? Weren't MP's cars part of the problem that saw the square being "stolen"? Haven't we for years been kicked out when Parliament was sitting? Or has this square been returned to the citizen because Parliament is going elsewhere even in the teeth of strong disapproval?