Works have started on a major infrastructural project in Pjazza Savina and Independence Square aimed at enhancing the area’s tourisitic offering. The €1.5 million project includes the complete repaving of the squares and surrounding alleys, an area of about 5,500 square metres. Archaeological remains beneath Independence Square, possibly dating to the Roman period, will be preserved and displayed.

The project also includes the provision of free WiFi areas in the major tourist hubs, the development of an interactive website engineered for mobile devices and equipped with a guided map of Victoria, the production of a video documentary about the area’s cultural and touristic heritage and the setting up of a heritage trail to guide visitors through the city’s cultural and historic attractions.

The mobile and online tools will respect the latest accessibility guidelines and braille signage will also be used.

Mayor Samuel Azzopardi said that the works, which have long been in the pipeline and will be completed next year, will offer a holistic value-added touristic package that combines the locality’s cultural and historical richness. The project’s aim is to create a number of services and attractions that would act as an incentive for tourists to spend more time in the area. This will help to address the Gozo tourist industry’s seasonality problem by promoting Victoria as a year-round destination.

The project is 85 per cent co-financed through European Regional Development Funds.

The project was designed by architect Edward Scerri.