Pedestrians rerouted at Valletta entrance until February 27 Vision 2050 launch

Large parts of the entrance to Valletta will be cordoned off for the rest of the month as the government plans to launch its Vision 2050 in Tritons Square.

Pedestrians are being diverted along eastern edge of the square, opposite the central bank building and made to walk along the bastion overlooking the ditch before reaching the main gate. 

For a few days before the launch date, part of the footbridge to Valletta will also be closed. Barriers will be removed after February 27- the launch date of the government's vision. 

A spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed there are ongoing works related to the launch.

“As with any important national event, launching Vision 2050 involves preparatory work to stage it,” he said.

Besides a broadcast launch at Triton Square, a large pavilion built in the square will host the 15-minute immersive experience aimed at audiences of all ages.

A large structure caught the attention of commuters and visitors making their way in and out of Valletta on Monday. Government officials said the structure is a temporary pavilion designed to host the 15-minute experience.

“Throughout the preparatory works, those entering have been redirected to go around the art installation, which will house an immersive experience and the same will happen with the footbridge area, which shall host the stage for the launch event.

Barriers have closed off most of Tritons Square to the public. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

"We are doing our best so that the people entering Valletta are as little impacted as possible. In fact, the entrance to Valletta will only be closed for a few hours on the day of the launch ceremony”. 

He said the site was chosen to launch the vision as the “Valletta entrance captures the symbolism of the transition in the way we will begin doing things and the progress of the country”.

The vision sets out a long-term plan for the country’s development over the next 24 years, including a commitment to slow down the pace of construction and place greater emphasis on sectors such as financial services, high-end manufacturing and aviation.

The Vision pledges to deliver a “healthy quality of life for all”, including a shift in the country’s economic model towards seven key sectors, which are expected to grow by 140% over the next decade.

Last minute works on the pavilion that will host the Vision 2050 'immersive experience'. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

He said the vision has seen input from the Church, the MCESD and the President, adding that the long-term plan has even seen the Opposition participate in its formulation.

The spokesperson said the vision is a national project "which goes beyond 5-year election cycles". 

Measures announced in the plan will be tracked via a live online portal. 

Following a public consultation that was launched in April last year, the government is set to launch the finalised version of the strategy on February 27.

Antonio Sciortino's Christ the King statue set against the backdrop of the Vision 2050 pavilion. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

In the pavilion, people will be taken through a story based on the experience of two children exploring the future of Malta.