They rolled out the red carpet and people turned up in smart attire yesterday for one of the most unusual events in Valletta - the inauguration of a public convenience after a transformation which would make the Opera House jealous.

The small facility, at the corner of Strait Street, over the decades witnessed some of the more seedy events of the capital, but now it had its own day.

The public convenience has retained its function, but it is now a far cry from their former state and stench.

The renovation was based on the street's colourful history and its proximity to what was once a popular bar. All sanitary facilities are made of stainless steel and work automatically.

To keep the cabaret flavour going, the toilets come complete with 'curtains' which are actually mirrors. Television screens can also be found within the cubicles.

Designed by architect Chris Briffa, the public convenience now boasts an audiovisual installation by artist Norbert Attard. This involves a rectangular neon light work positioned diagonally against a highly-polished steel wall with a recording of a barmaid in conversation, with the script written by actor and director Narcy Calamatta.

The work symbolises the street's former spontaneous nightlife, renowned for its bars, popular dance halls and thriving prostitutes, sparking many bar brawls involving the young sailors on shore leave. In a cult novel following his arrival on a naval ship, American author Thomas Pynchon had described it as the island's red light zone.

The reopening was made by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said and Valletta Mayor Alexei Dingli, who said that other public toilets in Valletta would also be renovated.