Restoration works regenerating Valletta

The entrance to Valletta through Victoria Gate is being given a new look with a regeneration project of the area known as Ta’ Liesse.

The works were this morning visited by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Resources Minister George Pullicino, whose ministry is responsible for the works.

A spokesman said that six projects had already been carried out in the area, namely the extensive restoration of the St Barbara Bastion, the Notre Dame de Liesse Church, the stairs of St Ursola and St John streets, the facades surrounding the hill leading to Victoria Gate and the actual gate, as well as paving works and the widening of pavements from the cruise liner terminal to the gate.

A spokesman for the ministry said the government was to continue with the regeneration of the area by restoring the facades of shops and old houses in Melita Street.

The work was part of a wider programme of works in Valletta involving projects at the Upper and Lower barrakkas, Hastings, St George’s Square, the national library, Republic Square, St John’s CoCathedral, and Merchants Street.

Other ongoing projects include those at City Gate, the restoration of the fortifications, St John’s Cavalier, the Grand Master’s Palace, Castille, Manson Demandols and Biaggo and the continuation of paving works in several streets.