I was as pleased as Punch to read about a new access point to Valletta being provided from a sally gate in the Main Ditch up to the area known as Hastings and that travelators (people movers) would be used for the ramps.

In 1995 I had proposed a comprehensive scheme of underground tunnels, equipped with travelators, to the Valletta Civic Council, to the Planning Authority and to the National Urban Heritage Conference but it was not really taken seriously. They just thought I was a bit off my rocker. The proposal was also featured in The Sunday Times Building and Architecture Supplement of August 8, 1995.

I had proposed two tunnels: one passing under Republic Street, linking the Floriana car park and bus terminus to St Elmo, and the other one under St John Street linking the Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett marinas. A large part of the first tunnel – the main pedestrian flow – is probably already existing. The second tunnel would revitalise access by boats, from the Three Cities on one side and from Manoel Island, Sliema and Tigné on the other. A number of discreet access points, with escalators, would be provided at strategic points.

I had taken the trouble to call at the London head offices of the Institutions of Civil Engineers and of Highways and Transportation (of both of which I am a member) and brought information on the speed, carrying capacity, gradients and other parameters of these Automated People Moving Systems, all of which were very encouraging, but I made no impression on the local decision-makers. With the elimination of Queensway, the case for such an underground system is that much stronger. Inner Valletta could be completely pedestrianised, except for ceremonial occasions.

As a matter of interest, on July 12, 1895 the Receiver General and Director of Contracts had made a call for tenders for the excavation of a tunnel from the Customs House landing place to Marsamxett and a shaft for a lift in the small square opposite the Law Courts. Alternative projects for a tramway or a boatway, between the two ends of the tunnel, both with electricity, were to be included.

There is nothing new under the sun!