The new Barrakka lift was inaugurated by the prime minister this evening.

The ceremony was held in Lascaris ditch, which was floodlit in different colours.

The whole lift structure was lit up when the lift is inaugurated by Dr Gonzi, who was accompanied by Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt. Dr Gonzi said the event was a source of pride as it marked another project which gave dignity to the Capital. He pointed out how this project would benefit tourism and business in the city.

The lift is the second landmark structure in Valletta to be inaugurated within a few months, the other being the breakwater bridge.

The €2.5m project was carried out by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation within the Infrastructure Ministry. The ministry is also overseeing the City Gate project.

Work on the 58-metre high lift started in the second half of last year.

The lift  can carry a total of 800 people per hour, each of its two cabins taking up to 21 passengers.

The lift is formed of a concrete structure covered by an aluminium mesh.

It has been built on the same site as the lift which operated between 1905 and 1973. That lift carried 12 passengers in each of two cabins.

It was dismantled in 1983.

A wooden direction sign from the old lift has survived and was ceremonially unveiled this evening. It reads: The Barrakka lift, the quickest way into the city.

The lift door at the Upper Barrakka.