The restoration of the bridge in Old College Street in Sliema is one of six projects selected by the government for funding.
The Prince of Wales Bridge was built as part of the much-needed connection between the Sliema Landing Place, known today as the Ferries, and Balluta Bay.
Its intention was to improve transit between Valletta, the busy junction at Strada Rodolfo, St Julian’s and the military compounds beyond at St Andrew’s, St George’s and Pembroke.
In June 1862, while on a visit to Malta after touring the Middle East, Queen Victoria’s son and heir the Prince of Wales officially inaugurated the project.
Works on the road and bridge were supervised by the Office of Public Works under the auspices of the superintendent and architect Emanuele Luigi Galizia.
Strada Collegio which overpassed the bridge was an important link from the then rapidly-growing Sliema to Birkirkara Road. In order to create both this viaduct and road beneath, substantial amounts of rock had to be excavated.
Intricate sternotomy was em-ployed when designing the limestone masonry of the bridge which was executed meticulously in accordance with the best practices and standards of the time. Presently, after over a century of wear-and-tear, much-needed restoration works are evident.
Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop attended the official inauguration yesterday of six selected restoration projects for this year.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo announced that Hompesch Arch in Żabbar, built in 1801, will also be restored to its former glory.
Other projects will see restoration works on the niche of St Joseph in Żejtun, which was most likely built in the late 18th century.
The statue of St Joseph holding the baby Jesus will be cleaned of rusty iron pipes, which are causing severe damage to the stone. A niche containing the statue of St Michael Archangel with a cross over it, built over two floors in Żurrieq, will also be restored.
The baroque style of this statue dates back to the 18th century and it is endowed with beautiful wings, a helmet, and armour, all carved in stone.
Intensive restoration works will be done on two old churches – that of St Anne in Marsascala and that of St Anthony and St Catherine in Birkirkara.
Both churches used to serve as the parish churches in their respective localities.