The Triton Fountain is going to be incorporated into the new designs for the open space leading to Valletta, which architect Renzo Piano was asked to revisit.
Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt told a news conference this morning that studies on the fountain revealed the need for major restoration work which will take 18 months to two years.
The plan is to incorporate the fountain into the project which will see the 12,000 square metres of open space covered with hardstone. Eighteen balconies on the facade of the housing estate opposite Parliament will be replaced with the original awnings that were used in the past being reinstalled while the balustrades will be replaced with iron railings.
The minister said that a Mepa permit had been applied for and work would start once this was issued to hopefully conclude the project at the same time as Parliament and the theatre. This project is expected to cost €5 million.
The Triton Fountain was commissioned in 1953 and work started on it in 1955. It was used for the first time on May 16, 1959 and has never been officially inaugurated.
The fountain was designed by sculptor Vincent Apap while Victor Anastasi worked on the technical layout.
Expert Kenneth Cauchi explained that the base of the fountain is hollow and includes three underground chambers.
A study on it revealed several damages including in the bronze which has cracks and water is seeping through it.
The plan is to restore it to its former glory with major work being done to the basin on top which will probably be lined with fibreglass or plastic in an attempt to save it.
The fountain circulates about 750,000 litres of water. Its restoration is expected to cost €2 million.
Dr Gatt said that discussions are yet to start with the owners of the kiosks in the area on their relocation. He noted that the originally proposed car park at the side of the open space will not feature in the new plans.
The minister also said that the bus terminus, which has seen an increase of three bays, does not need to grow any further.