When news broke in January that the fabric of St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta was in dire need of restoration and that severe problems had been identified which threatened the stability of the tower, the spire and the external stonework, considerable national concern was expressed.

It is therefore encouraging to learn not only that the planning permit for restoration work to begin will be granted before the end of December but also that work to restore the iconic spire should commence under the aegis of one of Malta’s leading architectural firms, Architecture Project, in the first quarter of 2018.

The aptly-named Save Valletta’s Skyline Restoration Appeal, which was launched in February this year with the aim of raising €3 million by November 2019, the 175th anniversary of the building of the cathedral, should be commended for raising over €560,000 in the space of 10 months.

The public response and media interest – both national and international – have been impressive with some notable names stepping forward in support. Almost 300 major foundations, companies or charitable trusts and scores of individuals have made donations, large and small, underlining the fact that there is a huge public and private demand to see the cathedral and Valletta’s skyline saved.

Moreover, fundraising events, such as Save Valletta’s Skyline Children’s Art Competition and the forthcoming performance, on January 12, of Handel’s magnificent Baroque sacred oratorio, Messiah, will help boost funds.

Wherever one looks from Sliema, Tigne Point, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida and much further afield, the seaward view of Valletta is dominated by the cathedral and its iconic 60-metre high tower. This initiative is not about a choice between a Roman Catholic or a Protestant cathedral. Nor is it about saving a British neo-classical cathedral as opposed to, say, saving a baroque auberge or a church built by the Knights of Malta.

It is simply a vitally important project for Malta’s cultural heritage and the survival of Valletta’s striking skyline. It would be impossible to imagine the capital city without it.

The good start to the restoration appeal bodes well for the future and one hopes EU funding could be secured. But there is still some way to go to reach the €3 million target.

Many companies and foundations were unable to contribute to the appeal this year because they had already committed themselves to other worthy causes. This being a three-year undertaking there is still time because there are another two years to go.

There are many pressing demands on this country’s corporate donors and foundations but, no doubt, many of them feel it their duty to save Valletta’s skyline. If 50 major companies and/or foundations were to pledge €5,000 in 2018 and 2019 by joining the ‘5K/10K Supporters’ Club’, the Save Valletta Skyline Restoration Appeal will be well on its way to achieving its noble objective. Making such a commitment now would fit in beautifully with Valletta becoming the European Capital of Culture.

The Times of Malta wholeheartedly supports the initiative, a most worthwhile cause. It is no less than the challenge of saving another crucially important part of Malta’s heritage landscape.

This is a Times of Malta print editorial

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