Valletta Waterfront to become 'hub of activity'

The first phase of the Lm10 million Valletta Waterfront project, breathing new life into a couple of Malta's priceless architectural treasures, was inaugurated yesterday.

The project was described as "very important" by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The 18th century Pinto Stores have been restored, with their wooden doors and balconies painted in cheerful primary colours reminiscent of those used for traditional Maltese balconies.

The creation of an inlet (menqa) has enabled the developers, cruise liner terminal operators Viset Consortium, to uncover Valletta's historic sea wall (il-moll l-antik).

Also built in the 18th century by the Knights of the Order of St John, the wall was buried in the 1970s when part of the harbour was reclaimed to make it easier for big ships to berth.

When it was uncovered last year, the wall was found to be in a fairly good condition, although one part needed rebuilding. It will now be reinstated to its original use, with small boats able to moor without obstructing cruise liner operations.

Viset chairman Joseph Grioli said 380 cruise line visits are expected this year and bookings for next year are already coming in. One of the biggest cruise liners in the world - the American ship Voyage Of The Seas - has booked nine visits next year. The cruise liner is 314 metres long and carries 3,500 passengers.

Mr Grioli said the consortium had already delivered 80 per cent of what it had promised.

The Prime Minister said this was a prime example as to how private-public partnerships could work. He explained that in this case, the government had provided an asset - the area - that was then developed by a private enterprise.

Speaking during yesterday's inauguration, Dr Gonzi said this project had hit the nail on the head in addressing tourism. He stressed that the country was facing tough competition, adding that tourism needed a competitive strategy.

"We have unique treasures, and it is our duty to make the most of them," he said.

Dr Gonzi said the government had identified the cruise line business as a most important tourism niche that could lead to a good increase in the number and quality of tourists, with Malta becoming a home port for a number of cruise liners.

"Our aim is to attract a lot of tourists, and such a project is imperative for this," he said, adding that the government would do anything to facilitate the expansion of this niche.

Grand Harbour, he said, was one of Malta's jewels and its beauty needed to be highlighted. Valletta was another important jewel that needed to be polished.

Mr Grioli said in the coming weeks the Valletta Waterfront will become a hub of activity as the first outlets start operating. The outlets will be housed in the newly restored Pinto Stores, which had been commissioned by Portuguese Grandmaster Fra Don Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca.

Viset is now focusing its attention on the completion of work at Forni Stores, which will be reopened as a retail centre once they are restored and rebuilt. Work on this project is due to be finished by October.

"Viset is delighted that the first phase of the project was completed on budget and slightly ahead of schedule. We are, however, determined not to rest and will press on with the remaining phases of the project. There is still plenty of work to be done but I am certain that the remaining phases of this project will also be completed as planned," the chairman said.

Mr Grioli said that throughout the summer a number of cultural activities will be taking place at the waterfront. Next month there will be a representation of Bernstein's opera Candide, literary evenings, modern dance and classical ballet shows.

Meanwhile, Malta Cruise Network coordinator Ben Stuart said a route bus to Valletta will soon start passing close to the Sea Passenger Terminal, so that cruise passengers will be able to catch the bus to Valletta.

He told The Times that a survey among passengers revealed few complaints about taxis, although there was still the need for more regulation in this area.