Heritage experts from around the world are meeting in Malta to come up with a set of policy guidelines for the sustainable preservation of historic places such as Valletta.

The guidelines are expected to be outlined tomorrow at the end of a two-day symposium and will be known as the Valletta Guidelines for Historic Town Preservation Management.

"It is difficult to find that magical balance for historic cities that allows us to turn the clock back and restore them to their original beauty while ensuring they have a modern function," Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told the members of the International Committee on Historic Towns and Villages.

Committee president Ray Bondin explained that the aim of the symposium was to outline the set of policies for the urban sustainable development of historic cities.

Ironically, the symposium is taking place at a time when the topic is extremely relevant to Valletta - a world heritage site - as works on the City Gate project are scheduled to start in summer.

The works include building a new Parliament in Freedom Square, transforming the Royal Opera House ruins into an open-air theatre and the regeneration of City Gate.

Dr Gonzi said Valletta was experiencing a new renaissance through the ongoing regeneration that aimed to respect the history of the capital while ensuring it had a modern function.

"These historic cities are magical but they do not live a fairytale. There is no happily ever after unless they are maintained. And for this we need a formula that allows for sustainable development," he said.

Dr Gonzi added that the controversies that often surrounded new projects in historic cities highlighted the need for such guidelines. He gave the example of the regeneration of Valletta Waterfront where people had objected to the differently-coloured apertures on the newly-restored façade.

Now, as the City Gate project by Italian architect Renzo Piano was about to take off, a controversy erupted over a Parliament building in Freedom Square.

Dr Gonzi stressed on the importance of removing Parliament from the President's Palace to be able to restore the precious space back to its original glory.

"The project will not only be giving Valletta its much-needed symbol of national democracy but also a signature building that will put Valletta and Malta on the international map of contemporary architecture.... Valletta has the ability to retain its tradition while blending it with innovation," he stressed.