Winning designs selected

The designs of architect Mannie Galea were yesterday chosen for the rehabilitation and pedestrianisation of St John's Square and parts of Merchants Street, in Valletta.

Mr Galea's designs were chosen from six submissions which were all entered under a nom de plume - the winner went under the name of Pietra Perzia.

The final decision was in the hands of an adjudicating committee chaired by Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier, with Valletta Rehabilitation coordinator Ray Bondin as secretary.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the winner, Dr Borg Olivier said that Mr Galea's designs were chosen on the merit of integrating the development of the square near the indoor market with that of St John's.

The designs, unanimously chosen by the committee, were also the ones which best honoured the committee's brief.

Dr Borg Olivier said the previous Infrastructure Minister Francis Zammit had committed himself to the project.

"We are sure the government will keep its commitment and finalise the project. It was also encouraging to note that the public had commented positively on the designs," he said.

Now that the designs have been chosen a lengthy process will begin of getting more detailed designs from the architect, planning services and applying to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Mr Bondin said that a realistic target date for the commencement of the Lm500,000 project would be early next year.

Since the area in question is a busy hub, the project will have to be carried out in phases and is expected to last two-and-a-half years.

While work is underway the open air market will have to be temporarily moved from its present location in Merchants' Street. No alternative has been decided upon yet.

The part of Merchants' Street which will be pedestrianised will stretch from Archbishop Street to St John Street.

The committee has appealed to any shop owners or businesses in Merchants Street who plan to install a lift or services, or upgrade their façade, to ensure the work is carried out before the road is pedestrianised.