The Times, 30 December  2011

If music be the food of love, play on...

The Splendid Lodging House in Strait Street, Valletta, came alive to the sound of music in September as top “old time” musicians assembled there for a photo shoot. The end result was Living Legends, Bank of Valletta’s tribute calendar to some of the island’s most renowned musicians.  Award winning photographer Joe P. Smith was entrusted with the photography.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111230/local/If-music-be-the-food-of-love-play-on-.400314

The Malta Independent, 27 December  2011

Inauguration of Migration Museum

The initial phase of the Digital Migration Museum was inaugurated at Dar l-Emigrant, in Valletta. The museum is being set up by the Emigrants’ Commission.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=137386

The Times, 27 December 2011

Source of the fountain

The Triton Fountain at Valletta’s City Gate square may appear to be functioning from the outside but the underlying passageways, with their old fittings and makeshift repairs, are in need of drastic work.   The worst damage the fountain suffered was in 1978, when the plate at the top collapsed and broke the statues

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111227/local/Source-of-the-fountain.399936

The Times, 19 December  2011

Indications that sea transport will increase

A call for tenders for an eight-year contract to provide a scheduled ferry service across Grand Harbour and between Sliema and Marsamxett against a maximum fee of €1.50 has been issued.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111219/local/Indications-that-sea-transport-will-increase.399027

The Sunday Times, 18 December 2011

New Valletta community radio launched

Radio City 107.6 FM was inaugurated on December 8 by Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli and Fr Richard Falzon during a brief ceremony attended by the station’s presenters, various guests and members of the press.    The radio station’s premises in West Street has been kindly provided by the Carmelites.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111218/arts-entertainment/New-Valletta-community-radio-launched.399097

The Times, 16 December 2011

Call for tenders for harbour ferry services issued

Transport Malta has launched a call for tenders for the operation of ferry services between Sliema and Marsamxett in Valletta and between Valletta and the inner part of Dockyard Creek in Cospicua.  The authority said the services were aimed at reducing the level of land traffic, its associated costs and environmental impact, by increasing the availability and accessibility of alternative means of transport.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111216/local/call-for-tenders-for-harbour-ferry-services-launched.398640

The Times, 15 December 2011

Scandal of the empty car park drivers can’t afford

The park-and-ride site in Blata l-Bajda can take 200 cars but, on most days, only a few cars can be seen there by the time everyone should be settled at their desks.  The Arriva parking lot is a desert while workers in the area are thirsty for parking spaces. However, they prefer to park further away from their offices or drive around until they stumble upon a vacant space rather than pay the “prohibitive” rates.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111215/local/Scandal-of-the-empty-car-park-drivers-can-t-afford.398392

The Malta Independent, 15 December  2011

Old abattoir building to go to voluntary sector

The old abattoir building in Valletta will be given to the voluntary organisations’ council to administer it as a syndicate house by new NGOs or voluntary organisations which do not have their own premises. The old abattoir, which is to be restored, is situated right behind the Auberge de Baviere, and comprises two levels which can be accessed via a pedestrian area that can be used for outdoor activities. The lower level will be turned into an area for creative initiatives such as exhibitions and gigs while the second floor will be transformed into office space and common areas for NGOs.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=136932

timesonline.com , 14 December  2011

Old slaughterhouse to become Centre for Volunteers

The old slaughterhouse, referred to as il-Biccerija,  is being transformed into a centre for use by Maltese voluntary organisations. It is situated right behind the Auberge de Baviere in Valletta.  The building will be passed on to the National Voluntary Council to be used by organisations which did not have premises.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111214/local/old-slaughterhouse-to-become-voluntary-centre.398361

timesonline.com , 13 December  2011

National Awards conferred to cross-section of society

Heartfelt congratulations from the Chairman and the Board of Governors to Mr. Carmelo Camillleri upon being made Member of the National Order of Merit.    The National Awards were conferred by President George Abela at the Palace on Republic Day.   Mr Camilleri was a Governor of Valletta Alive Foundation from 2004 to 2008.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111213/local/national-awards-conferred-to-cross-section-of-society.398223

The Independent on Sunday, 11 December  2011

Big blocks for Valletta’s City Gate are being cut now

 The big blocks of stone required for the entrance to Valletta are in the process of being cut in a special way in a Gozo quarry, this paper is informed.   According to Renzo Piano’s plan, these big blocks will plug the parts of the bastions that were hacked away in the 1960s in order to accommodate the much wider City Gate that was created then.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=136785

The Malta Independent , 10 December 2011

Tritons Fountain ‘too damaged’ to be moved

 The government has finally bowed to public opinion and to the hard facts of the matter and has now decided that the Tritons Fountain at City Gate will not be moved, given its very fragile and damaged state.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=136710

The Times, 10 December  2011

Tritons back to glory

Plans to shift the Triton Fountain, outside City Gate, in Valletta, to Floriana have been abandoned because it needs a €2 million restoration job that will take an estimated two years to complete.  This means Renzo Piano’s plans for the square outside the capital’s new entrance were revisited to incorporate the fountain in the upgrading project, which will include paving an area of 12,000 square metres.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111210/local/Tritons-back-to-glory.397680

The Times, 10 December  2011

Work on St Paul Street set for summer 2012

Work on the upper part of St Paul Street, one of Valletta’s two main traffic arteries, was due to start in summer and to be completed by mid-August, Valletta mayor Alexei Dingli said.

The resurfacing of the lower, more residential part of the road was completed by mid-November. The parking lot markings and the laying down of cat eyes was only finished yesterday, following tarmac tests.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111210/local/Work-on-St-Paul-Street-set-for-summer-2012.397678

The Times, 4 December  2011

Preti comes alive in Valletta

One of Valletta’s finest architectural gems has been restored to its former glory, 13 years after plaster and pieces of stone fell from the main dome.   Located adjacent to Auberge d’Italie, Santa Caterina d’Italia was where Italian Baroque artist Mattia Preti learnt the rare technique of painting directly on the wall.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111204/local/Preti-comes-alive-in-Valletta.396668

The Malta Independent , 3 December 2011

Valletta Living History student drawing exhibition

Between 8 and 24 December, Valletta Living History will be organising an exhibition of all the participants who submitted their works for the nationwide drawing competition that was organised for students between six and 12 years of age.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=136377

The Times, 4 December  2011

Preti comes alive in Valletta

One of Valletta’s finest architectural gems has been restored to its former glory, 13 years after plaster and pieces of stone fell from the main dome.   Located adjacent to Auberge d’Italie, Santa Caterina d’Italia was where Italian Baroque artist Mattia Preti learnt the rare technique of painting directly on the wall.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111204/local/Preti-comes-alive-in-Valletta.396668

The Malta Independent , 3 December 2011

Valletta Living History student drawing exhibition

Between 8 and 24 December, Valletta Living History will be organising an exhibition of all the participants who submitted their works for the nationwide drawing competition that was organised for students between six and 12 years of age.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=136377

timesonline, 1 December  2011

Original plans of Valletta to be put on display

The plans are to be put on display in the new inter-active centre on the fortifications, which will be housed in the newly re-built/restored Biagio Steps in Valletta.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111201/local/original-plans-of-valletta-to-be-put-on-display.396408

timesonline, 30 November 2011

Free Valletta parking after 3.30 p.m.

Cars parked in Valletta after 3.30 p.m. are being exempt from CVA payment during December up to the 24^th .

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111130/local/free-valletta-parking-after-3-30-p-m.396251

The Times, 29 November 2011

Art and history on the move - Kenneth Zammit Tabona

Valletta is a unique city.  Because of its particular character, it has been anything but easy to adapt to the exigencies of being a modern capital city. Kenneth Zammit Tabona  discusses various issues relating ot art and culture in Valletta. 

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111129/opinion/Art-and-history-on-the-move.396038

The Independent on Sunday, 27 November 2011

Valletta gets back its jewel

A press conference and a concelebrated Mass in the evening were the rather low-key celebrations that marked Valletta getting back a long-neglected jewel in its crown: the church of Santa Caterina d’Italia.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=136098

The Times, 16 November 2011

Palatial light

An inflatable walk-through palace of light and colour has been set up in St George’s Square, Valletta, for Luminarja, a project by Architects of Air.   The palace is one of the highlights of Żigużajg, the week-long programme of performing arts for children.   http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111116/local/Palatial-light.394132

The Times, 16 November 2011

Valletta’s filthy buildings - Fr Mark Cauchi OSA,

This letter to the editor notes several eyesores in Valletta’s main streets. 

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111116/letters/Valletta-s-filthy-buildings.394066 

The Times, 1 November 2011

Valletta invites more ideas in a ‘first’ for e-democracy

An innovative method in consultation

Comments and suggestions on the Valletta branding report, published some weeks ago, are being welcomed by the local council on its own Wiki – a website that presents content while allowing interested parties to collaborate and contribute by suggesting changes and freely editing pages.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111101/local/Valletta-invites-more-ideas-in-a-first-for-e-democracy.391739

The Independent on Sunday, 30 October  2011

If it’s good, people will go there

Daphne Caruana Galizia argues that there are reasons other than parking for the loss of business in Valletta. 
http://www.independent.com.mt/news2.asp?artid=134545

The Independent, 25 October 2011

Rediscovering the Grand Master’s Palace

 A number of lectures regarding the Grand Master’s Palace are being given to the general public. Lectures will be held on the last Monday of every month.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=134267

The Independent, 25 October 2011

‘Valletta, Heritage, Climate and Identity: Valletta from Renaissance to Renzo Piano’

 In association with the Embassy of Malta in Brussels, the renowned Sint-Lucas-Architecture-Institute of Ghent in Belgium organised a lecture entitled ‘Valletta, Heritage, Climate, Identity: Valletta from Renaissance to Renzo Piano’. The lecture was given by Architect Konrad Buhagiar.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=134264

The Independent, 18 October 2011

European Capital of Culture 2018: Valletta bid presented

 The bid was submitted to the European Commission yesterday.    Although Valletta is seeking to serve as the Capital of Culture, this bid is supported by all the other local councils, which are voluntarily lending it their support and which will also be represented by Valletta, as activities will not be restricted to the capital city.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=133893

The Times,  17 October 2011

V.18 rekindles the heritage of exchange

David Felice writes about the application for Valletta to become a European Capital of Culture in 2018.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111017/opinion/V-18-rekindles-the-heritage-of-exchange.389490

timesonline.com ,  15 October 2011

Each locality to have direct bus route to Valletta, Mater Dei

Each locality is to have a direct line to Mater Dei and to Valletta as from November 6, Transport Minister Austin Gatt said this morning.  The old bus system had operated on a hub and spoke system while the new system had been based on interchanges.  As of November 6, there will be a mix of the two.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111015/local/each-locality-to-have-direct-bus-route-to-valletta-mater-dei.389262

The Times, 11 October 2011

Newly restored courtyard hosts competing art works

An array of 111 works are on show in Valletta in the 10th National Art Competition and Exhibition organised by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.   http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111011/arts-entertainment/Newly-restored-courtyard-hosts-competing-art-works.388686

The Times,  3 October 2011

75 attractions in one night

The usually quiet evening streets of Valletta were turned into a vibrant festival of the arts, history and culture on Saturday, as Notte Bianca went through its sixth edition.

The capital’s streets and buildings were illuminated especially for the occasion, with 75 attractions and places of interest to choose from and about 500 people taking part.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111003/local/75-attractions-in-one-night.387434

The Sunday Times,  2 October  2011

Branding the bland - Claire Bonello

Another year, another branding exercise. This time it’s Valletta’s turn to get the marketing make-over.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111002/opinion/Branding-the-bland.387313

The Times,  1 October 2011

Notte Bianca draws the crowds

A heaving crowd filled Malta's capital this evening to partake in the sixth edition of Notte Bianca.   Families queued at popular venues including outside the Royal Opera House, where they could see the progress on the new theatre and watch theatrical performances.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111001/local/notte-bianca-draws-the-crowds.387244

The Times,  28 September  2011

Council plans ‘discover Valletta’ commercial branch

It took almost three years and over €19,000 for a consulting services company to devise a marketing plan for the city and point out it needs to be revived.  The study, commissioned by the Valletta local council was launched yesterday and concluded Valletta needed “rejuvenation and refurbishment”.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110928/local/Council-plans-discover-Valletta-commercial-branch.386713

The Sunday Times, 25 September  2011

Works start on Valletta footbridge

Works began yesterday on the installation of a €2.8 million footbridge linking both sides of the St Elmo breakwater off Valletta

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110925/local/Works-start-on-Valletta-footbridge.386172

The Malta Independent, 22 September 2011

Tender for St Elmo’s restoration issued, but government still waiting ERDF funding

GHRC  has issued a tender for the first restoration phase on the deteriorating Fort St Elmo in Valletta.  

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=132406

The Times,  19 September  2011

Manure on the streets of Valletta – Andre Borg

This letter to the editor notes the urgent need to enact by-laws that would oblige horse-cabs circulating Valletta to be equipped with manure-collecting bags.  This would spare our roads from endless faeces and stink not fit for a capital city. This practice has long been in force in respectable cities such as Vienna, whereas in Prague, the horse-cab driver cleans up each time his horse dumps.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110919/letters/Manure-on-the-streets-of-Valletta.385337

The Sunday Times,  18 September  2011

A city of shopkeepers  - Mark-Anthony Falzon                                  

The opinionist takes a nostalgic look at Valletta shops of days gone by .

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110918/opinion/A-city-of-shopkeepers.385194

The Malta Independent, 17  September 2011

Renzo Piano Valletta project: City Gate steps necessitate removal of banquettes

Parts of the banquettes on either side of City Gate are now about to be removed, as a result of the Renzo Piano project. This was approved by the MEPA board at its meeting last Thursday.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=132154

The Times,  14 September  2011

People first in heritage conservation – John Ebejer

It is people we are talking about. It is people who are being inconvenienced, some more than others, because there is no proper parking provision at the lower end of Valletta. In this contest, it is absurd for my colleague to argue that the Evans site should not be redeveloped because of some presumed importance of some building remains that may or may not exist

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110914/opinion/People-first-in-heritage-conservation.384638

The Times,  12 September  2011

Works on Valletta lift start

Workers have started laying the foundations of the new lift to the Upper Barrakka in Valletta.   Chris Paris, CEO of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, said excavations started three weeks ago. Workers today started pouring the concrete of the foundations for the free standing lift which will be 53 metres high.  The lift will consist of two cabins, each with a capacity of 21 passengers.   The project, costing €2.5m, will be completed by the end of next year. It is co-funded by the EU.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110912/local/works-on-valletta-lift-start.384472

The Malta Independent, 9 August  2011

Works on St Paul Street will start at the bottom end

Works of the St Paul Street regeneration will affect only the lower part of Valetta in the first phase so traffic circulation will not be affected.  The Valletta local council held further meetings with the GRTU in order to ensure that the upgrading of St Paul’s Street takes place with the least impact to residents, to the business community and to the visitors of the city.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=130154

The Malta Independent, 1 July 2011

Arriva launch Valletta City Circular Service

Arriva and the Transport Ministry yesterday unveiled the Valletta City Circular service or route 133, which for the first time will provide bus services within Valletta from this Sunday.  The route is intended to make it easier for Valletta based workers, residents and tourists to travel around the city. It will be served by a specially designed minibus which runs on electricity.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=127977

The Malta Independent, 22 June  2011

Great expectations for European Capital of Culture 2018

Valletta 2018 is not only about a programme of events that will take place in 2018, but it is about putting those events in a larger, more long-term context.  A new entity has been set up to devise and implement the vision and strategy of Malta’s European Capital of Culture (ECoC) 2018 bid, for which there are great expectations

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=127481

The Malta Independent, 9 June  2011

European Capital of Culture bid – ‘Valletta 2018’

The public is being invited to join cultural stakeholders at ‘Imagine 18’, a conference on 20-21 June aimed at helping shape Valletta’s bid to become a European Capital of Culture (ECoC) in 2018. The conference is being organised by the Valletta 2018 Foundation, a new entity charged with formulating and implementing Malta’s vision and strategy as an ECoC. 

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=126811

The Sunday Times, 22 May  2011

A ‘humble’ ambassador for Valletta

Cliff Richard was yesterday appointed a cultural ambassador for Valletta as Malta embraced the star.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110522/local/A-humble-ambassador-for-Valletta.366635

The Times,  19 May 2011

Capital of Culture: a year to be savoured - Lord Mike Storey

In a letter to the editor the former leader of Liverpool city council wishes the city of Valletta every success for 2018.   He describes the Liverpool experience of 2008 as one of the best years of his life. It was a year in which the city of Liverpool was transformed physically, culturally and economically.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110519/letters/Capital-of-Culture-a-year-to-be-savoured.366035

The Times,  18 May, 2011

The experience of living in Valletta - Paul Edgar Micallef

In this letter to the Editor, a resident of Valletta writes about the difficulties of living in Valletta. 

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110518/letters/The-experience-of-living-in-Valletta.365933

timesofmalta.com,   Saturday, 7 May  2011

Celebration time as champions end season unbeaten

Valletta are celebrating their title success this afternoon, having ended the season unbeaten after a   2-2 draw with Tarxien Rainbows in their final league match.

After securing the title with three games to spare, Valletta were finally presented with the BOV Premier League trophy much to the delight of their ecstatic fans who turned up in their thousands at Ta' Qali.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110507/football/celebration-time-as-champions-end-season-unbeaten.364094

The Times, 7  May  2011

Eliminating monsters -  I.M. Beck

I.M. Beck comments on the latest developments in Valletta including the proposed relocation of the Triton Fountain.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110507/opinion/Eliminating-monsters.363996

The Times 6  May  2011

City Gate bites the dust

The last strands of steel that formed the roof of City Gate’s central entrance were yesterday torn away by large mechanical claws, as demolition works continued on the Valletta landmark.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110506/local/City-Gate-bites-the-dust.363924

The Malta Independent, 3 May 2011

City Gate demolition works start

Workers, shoppers and tourists yesterday morning had to make their way through the tunnel on the right-hand side of the bus terminus which leads to the Central Bank extension or up Ġlormu Cassar Avenue to Castille Place as works to demolish City Gate started.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=124528

The Malta Indpendent on Sunday, 1 May 2011

A sense of emptiness at City Gate - Noel Grima

When the Renzo Piano design for City Gate, the new Parliament building and the Opera House site was revealed, it was done in a blaze of publicity: But when it came to revealing what will happen to the area outside City Gate, there was none of the razzmatazz of the previous announcement.  Noel Grima comments on the City Gate and the proposals for the Triton Fountain.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=124466

The Malta Indpendent on Sunday, 1 May 2011

Significant changes to City Gate Traffic Impact Statement

As commuters begin, from today, the long slog through the bastions and tunnels up to Castille Place by way of the Central Bank Annexe while City Gate is being pulled down, few have realised that some significant proposals made in the Traffic Impact Statement (TIS) done for the City Gate project have been quietly shelved or even dropped.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=124463

The Malta Indpendent on Sunday, 1 May 2011

Renzo Piano’s studio explains why the Tritons are being moved

The present project for the re-organisation of the transport system reverses the Modernist obsession with progress at the expense of preservation. It aims at providing an efficient and comfortable transport system that is sustainable, as invisible as possible, and one that minimizes the deleterious effects of pollution.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=124462

 timesofmalta.com,   29 April 2011

Valletta residents present own traffic proposals

Residents who live near Hastings and in Pope Pius V Street, Valletta this afternoon held a symbolic protest against the traffic arrangements being made and presented their own proposals.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110429/local/valletta-residents-present-own-traffic-proposals.362839

timesofmalta.com,   29 April 2011

Outside City Gate: Now and in the future

The ministry also published a commentary by the architect's studio about the recommendation to move the fountain by less than 50 meters as part of the effort to restore the architectural and historical context of the entrance to the fortified city.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110429/local/outside-city-gate-now-and-in-the-future.362845

Malta Independent, 29 April, 2011

Artist’s Impression: Tritons Fountain to be moved

The Tritons Fountain, the Vincent Apap landmark that served as a meeting point for thousands of first dates for decades, is to be moved from opposite City Gate closer to the Phoenicia Hotel

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=124278

The Times, 29 April 2011

Traffic arrangements for fireworks festival over Grand Harbour

New traffic arrangements will be in place this weekend for the Malta International Fireworks Festival over Grand Harbour.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110429/local/Traffic-arrangements-for-fireworks-festival-over-Grand-Harbour.362784

Valletta champions

Valletta are new football champions of Malta.   Valletta gained three points this evening as they beat Marsaxlokk 1-0 to race into an unassailable 12-point lead at the top.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110417/football/valletta-champions.360786

Malta Independent, 23 April, 2011

Illogical traffic management in Valletta - Dr André Borg
Letter to the Editor:  Valletta residents have just received a traffic direction map outlining the changes in traffic flow following the demolition of City Gate. Residents living in the north-western part of the capital are in for a hard time, with a couple of thousand cars a day fuming their way through a residential core.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=123992

The Times,  April 16, 2011

Let Valletta retain its characteristics -  Simone Mizzi

With European funding now available for the enhancement of cultural assets that further tourism, the city is seen as an investment opportunity, especially on its perimeter which enjoys unique views all round.  Din l-Art Ħelwa strongly believe that before further developments are approved piecemeal, there must be an overall vision for Valletta, which will determine the city’s retention of its world heritage status as the best existing example of a 16th century fortified city whose fortifications are second to none in the world. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110416/opinion/Let-Valletta-retain-its-characteristics.360543

timesofmalta.com,   15 April 2011

New Valletta permanent traffic route announced

City Gate will start to be dismantled on May 1, when the new permanent traffic route for Valletta will start to be used.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110415/local/new-valletta-permanent-traffic-route-annouced.360457

The Times,  14 April 2011

Round and round the city of Valletta - Paul Mifsud

Last Saturday, I went to see a play at the Manoel Theatre starting at 7.30 p.m.

Knowing how difficult it is to find a parking place in Valletta I decided to go early. By 6.45 p.m. I had dropped my wife near the theatre and went to park my car.   It took me more than half an hour, driving along the streets at the lower end of Valletta, looking for a parking space.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110414/letters/Round-and-round-the-city-of-Valletta.360091

The Independent,   12 April 2011

City Gate project ‘on track and within budget’

The Valletta City Gate project is “on track and within budget” said Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Minister Austin Gatt yesterday.  So far, some €10 million has been spent, while the entire project is expected to cost some €80 million.                

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=123469

timesofmalta.com,  12 April 2011

Street furniture would inject more life into Valletta - MHRA

The planning authority approved an application that will eventually allow street furniture to be placed in the centre of parts of Merchant Street, Valletta.  The initiative taken by various entities in Valletta to allow catering outlets in Merchants Street to place tables and chairs in the central part of the street has been welcomed by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. The initiative, it said in a statement, would contribute to inject more ‘life’ into Valletta.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110412/local/street-furniture-would-inject-more-life-into-valletta-mhra.359517

timesofmalta.com, Saturday, 9th April 2011

Railings permit to inject new life to Merchants Street

Shoppers in Valletta may soon be able to sip a coffee or have lunch on Merchants’ Street after the planning authority approved an application to install railings that will fence off street furniture.    Tables and chairs will be closed off by the railings that will be located in the centre of the street so shoppers can pass through passageways on either side.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110409/local/railings-permit-promises-to-inject-new-life-soon-to-merchants-street

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April

‘Unique’ manuscripts donated by Albert Ganado to Heritage Malta

Fire for St Elmo

Local council takes aim at Valletta pigeons

New terminus trees

March

City Gate project loses the belvedere

Kiosk workers uncertain of their future

Parking in Valletta and waning business

Update 3 - Superintendence clarifies FAA statement on Casa Lanfreducci

Valletta becomes another silent capital

Vendors, customers complain about the new Monti venue

Aragon chapel at St John’s gets a facelift

 

February

Carnival enclosure to be set up at Valletta bus terminus

Cipher building makes way for Barrakka lift

New traffic arrangements in Floriana because of terminus works

Sunday 'Monti' moving to Park and Ride area

Valletta reshaping

Works on Valletta bus terminus commence

Work on fortifications interactive centre ‘on track’

Restoration works unearth old cannon balls

Plans to turn Fort St Elmo into a major tourist venue

Difficulty of parking in Valletta at night (1)

Biagio Steps - Presenting the past in a modern manner

A planning system suited for Malta

Does Malta need a second Silent City

From Blood Rock to Barriera Wharf

Paris chancery is the government’s costliest lease

Plans for the transformation of Fort St Elmo raise hopes

Restoration of Fort St Elmo depends on ERDF funds

'We do not need a second silent city'

January 2011

Beauty of ancient, threatened, basement revealed

Bones still at Valletta basement, government insists

Changes to new Parliament House approved

Human remains at Casa Lanfreducci

Knights' burial place to be linked to Piano’s theatre

Localities unite behind Valletta in cultural capital bid

Louvers for new Parliament building

Organisers seek details on ‘huge’ Valletta carnival

Outdoor NYE celebrations successful

Preti’s St James gets a new lease of life

Saluting battery cannon are silenced... for a while

Valletta’s Casa Lanfreducci is no burial ground, says ministry

Valletta’s lion to flutter up above

When nature calls

December 2010

A cash cow that ran dry

A Lighter Load

Spotlight on Valletta’s covered market

Strait Street - Valletta’s cash cow which has run dry

Valletta shopping declines due to parking problems

Mepa’s Audit Office – What’s next

November 2010

Free parking in Valletta on December afternoons

Historical and rare books rescued

Interview - Restoring Malta’s historical heritage

Main Guard to be handed over to Valletta council

Maltese heroes remembered

Parts of Valletta rotting away

Renzo Piano's designs for Valletta cost €6.6 million

Valletta - ‘Genius Loci’

October 2010

City Gate to be demolished in March

Freedom Square arcades come crumbling down

Mepa approves Valletta bus terminus move

Pauline history, culture and faith

The final countdown

Valletta organisations insist MPs’ parking area be temporary

Work at City Gate starts in earnest

September 2010

Vandals strike at newly restored Victoria Gate

Barrakka lift application to be decided on Thursday

Businesses to be kept better informed about Valletta works

Car ride to Valletta must have a cost

Great Siege monument gets overdue facelift

Hundreds cheer at first changing of the guard ceremony in 39 years

MPs’ cars take over pedestrian zone

Palace Square to witness Changing of the Guard

Park and ride fee possible

Projects for 1,500 more parking spaces around Valletta

Restored Great Siege monument unveiled

Street names, inscriptions worth restoring

Valletta cooling fountains

Valletta firms want business as usual during revamp works

August 2010

No move yet for carnival float makers
School of music administration to identify new base

Lascaris quay to be extended
Works to restore Auberge de Castille
Great Siege Monument to undergo maintenance
It’s August._. and ‘poor horses’ are still waiting

July 2010

Six Valletta and Floriana junctions to be rebuilt
Verdala Palace painted wooden ceilings being restored
Restoration of Auberge de Castille's façade starts

June 2010

Medieval makes way for modern in Valletta
Restoration works on historic fortifications well underway
Valletta desperately needs a multi-storey car park
Victoria Gate area restoration well under way
‘Valletta faces a painful death unless it solves its parking problem’
€2 million restoration work on Fort St Angelo
1680 engraving of Valletta

Talking Point Times June 2010

May 2010

Hundreds of boats blot Grand Harbour
Valletta hits rock bottom in culture, survey shows
Bastions being bolstered
Missed opportunity for a car park
Victoria Gate revealed after restoration
The courts go green

April 2010

Design of Barrakka lift runs into problems
Freedom Square gets new pavement
New Barrakka lift is long overdue
Pope Speaks
The City Gate spectacle
€2.7m spent on City Gate project so far
Business boost for Merchants Street after pedestrianisation
'Business in Merchants Street flourishes after pedestrianisation'
City Gate demolition to start in July or August
Experts meet in Malta to focus on preservation of historic cities

March 2010

Cameron Mackintosh backs Piano's project
City Gate arcades shops shut for good
City Gate outlets must be vacated by March 27
DLH drops out of rally after disagreements on Valletta project
Government urged to go ahead with City Gate project
'Judge me by the results'
Opera house selling price put at _16,310
Paving works postponed
Precious Calì works under attack
Valletta celebrates its foundation day
Legality now in Valletta
Aim to finish Valletta pedestrianisation project by December
Government defends its approach to Valletta status
Serracino-Inglott insists theatre without a roof is useless
The fortress builders
Valletta, Malta wins Best International Mediterranean Port Award

February 2010

128 artists petition PM against roofless theatre
Carnival organisers set June deadline
Recalling St Madaleine Ravelin, Valletta
Bus terminus at Valletta to make way for pedestrians
Interactive centre on fortifications
Restoration of Valletta's unique paving
Theatre ruin(ed) saga
To roof or not to roof
Valletta open-air theatre
New Valletta terminus design unveiled
Updated - Changes to the current Valletta Piano project
Piano meeting is no big deal – PM
PM meeting Piano today
Restoration starts on Valletta bastions
The history of Maltese emigration

When magic alone is not enough
Works to start shortly on fortifications information centre
€84,997 spent on Palace square inauguration
Start of City Gate works delayed
PM, Piano to hold mystery meeting
Bastions restoration works start
Silver pieces donated to church
Form and function – the marriage of two styles
Valletta was built on agricultural land, archaeological evidence shows

December 2009

More than 1,000 objections to Piano plans - FAA
Square comes alive to music and history
St George’s square - the heart of our capital – PM
City Gate traffic impact study underway
Retailers hope for a happy Christmas

Palace's Chinese vases valued at €28m
British coat of arms gets facelift
Avid art lover and internee finally gets due recognition
Two weeks to go for new Palace Square
Sette Giugno monument will not return to Palace Square
CVA costing _150,000 per month
Europe House Located In 17th Century Building
Opera House Ruins Foundations Being Tested
What if. Speculating on the outcome of the Valletta City Gate project

October 2009

Ye olde Valletta signage
Three in four buses will be driven out
The Maypole at St George's Square
Notte Bianca, again a success
Learning the lesson
EU-funded restoration of bastions to start soon
Answered prayers
CVA system under review in an attempt
Government plans for Valletta to be aired at Notte Bianca
How to improve the Piano project

September 2009

Modern Palace Square street furniture approved despite objections
Palace Square project 'on track'
Passion for a project
Anglu Xuereb proposes big Floriana car park
Government submits Valletta plans for approval
Proposal on Valletta parking
City Gate and the emperor's new clothes
Notte Bianca, bigger and better
Putting the interest of Valletta first

August 2009

Adequate structures for cab horses requested
Bastion line continuity essential for fortified city function - FAA
Developers react to UNESCO threat to revoke Valletta's world heritage status
Government was warned about Valletta situation years ago
Horse-drawn cab drivers insist on
Last cab out of Palace Square
No parking, no business
Residential parking - First things first
Solution to parking problems
St Catherine of Italy's church dome conceals two windows
Traditional baroque paved square
Unbroken promenade planned from Valletta
Valletta Alive welcomes Piano’s designs
Valletta Alive welcomes Piano's designs
Valletta local plan to be re-written for Piano
Valletta to lose 400 parking spots to
Valletta's protectors are us
War Museum to serve Victory Kitchen food

July 2009

Carnival participants accuse culture council of delaying tactics
Foundation set up to restore dome of St Dominic's Church in Valletta
Karozzini have to go, ADT insists
Malta is 'still not visible' to foreign investors
Piano had no written brief
Renzo Piano plans discussion highlights needs in arts field
Valletta's opera house project has been hijacked for Parliament
(Not) part of a Master Plan....
City Gate - 10 points, St George's Square - Zero
Compensation for shop owners at Freedom Square
Gateway to a city
'I will sing in Piano's opera-house development'
In Praise of Piano
Listening to the voice of the people
Valletta business community wants better access

June 2009

A magic city in a magic island
City by a gentleman
Giving Valletta its dignity back
Library wanted in proposed Piano Valletta projects
Valletta projects - The people have their say
St Publius enters Valletta
Piano unveils 25-year-old dream for Valletta
A new era finally dawns on Valletta
Costly tram service only possible with state subsidy
Renzo Piano's City Gate
Valletta square trees to be relocated
Malta in dire need of a national theatre - Joseph Calleja
Malta in dire need of a national theatre
Modernising St George's Square
Renzo Piano - Acclaimed by the world, shunned by Malta
Valletta square users' thumbs down to regeneration project

May 2009

Palace project launched
Mepa approves facelift for St George's Square
Plans for The Palace announced
Power to the pedestrians in St.George's Square
Turning a car park into the jewel of the city
Water installation at the heart of Palace Square embellishment
Taking the 'Maltese' out of Malta
Valletta - A New Beginning
Valletta War Museum reopens
Carnival Enthusiasts complain about relocation offer
Malta in dire need of a national theatre - Joseph Calleja
Personalities who lived in Strait Street, Valletta

April 2009

De Vilhena Lion given new lease of life
Opera in the balance
Pope appoints delegate for end of Pauline Year events in Malta
The Making of Fortresses.pdf
The tunnel beneath the square
Fort St Elmo is perfect for Parliament House
Palace Square Proposals
The Porta Reale-San Giorgio Bridge

March 2009

Foundation urges expeditious development
Parliament could be in Freedom Square
Barrakka lift back to square one
Co-cathedral enters another golden age
Is that the Opera House in the picture
March 2011 completion date for _2 million Barrakka lift
Restoration in Valletta
Valletta is 443 years old
Valletta Alive
A plan for Valletta-Floriana
Cupola of St Catherine's church to be restored
Palace Square car park plans shelved
The secrets of underground Valletta
Why are Valletta's piazzas dead
City Gate and Opera House site projects

February 2009

Progressing excavation works in St George's Square
studies may lead to review of plans for St George's Square
Sun adds colour to Carnival
Underground passageways discovered in Valletta
Government promises all necessary studies on underground passages
Plans to keep carnival afloat unveiled
Fort St Elmo regeneration project
St John's controversial extension dropped
An alternative site for Parliament
Breakwater bridge to be rebuilt
FAA insists experts did decide on St John's museum extension
Renzo Piano and the lightness of buildings
Fort Manoel restoration - a jewel waiting to shine

January 2009

More White Wagtails roosting in Valletta
National Library designated 'Palace of New Thinking'
Valletta entrance project about civic pride - Renzo Piano
Action plan on Fort St Elmo 'in the coming months'
Barrakka Gardens, war rooms to be turned into heritage park
Hail in Valletta
Muslim community in protest against Israeli onslaught
Renzo Piano due in Malta next month
Renzo Piano's 1989 City Gate project
Brief history of Palazzo Ferreria
Co-Cathedral extension
Environment group wants Parliament to move to MCC
Grand Master Nicholas Cottoner Restored

December 2008

World War One gun for display at Saluting Battery
Let's not miss the wood for the trees
Military Heritage Trail Launched
Opera House bomb site 'scandal'
Opera house live crib attracts 80,000 visitors
Switzerland in the Mediterranean
The Neapolitan version of the Nativity message
Turn the Opera House into a modern library
Bargain hunters prey on early sales
Rebirth of an icon
Regeneration of City Gate
Renzo Piano for City Gate
Shop owners welcome City Gate, Opera House decision
Strongest commitment towards Valletta
Repossession lower Fort St Elmo
Architects welcomes Piano appointment
Fort St Elmo restoration to complement Piano designs
Malta needs a proper opera house - Calleja
Old Putirjal bridge in the Piano design
Opera House controversy
Parliament to move to Opera House
Prints of Gobelin tapestries
Public Transport reform takes shape

November 2008

Towards the City's 450th Birthday
Sad state of Jesuit's Church
Grandmasters' armour on show in Paris
Graduates reunite for golden anniversary
Chichester is building links with another walled city
500,000th cruise passenger fêted
Valletta's changing skyline
St John's Museum plans

October 2008

Enforcement in Valletta Terminus
Freedom of Expression in Freedom Square
Notte Bianca's further success
Public Transform Reform
Regenerating our Cultural City
The Dilemma about Valletta
400 Offences in 90 Minutes
A New National Museum
Safeguarding Valletta's Skyline
Valletta, awake!
Valletta soon to be 450
Thousands visit Museums during Notte Bianca
Old Towns as Tourist Attractions

September 2008

Learning from the Past
Notte Bianca is Here Again
EU Funds for Fortifications
More Pedestrian Streets Added
Parking Scheme and EU Law
Pedestrian Zones Extended
Record Price for a Valletta Painting
Victory Church - Saved!

August 2008

St John's Co-Cathedral Museum Extension
Successful End to BOV Streets Alive
The Gate Triamphant
Views from Villa Bighi
BOV Streets Alive
Climbing for Beginners
Foundation asks for Terms of Reference
Map Collection at Heritage Malta
Projects for Valletta's Two Main Squares
Rehabilitating Valletta
Safeguarding St John's Treasures
Second Evening of BOV Streets Alive

July 2008

St John's Co-Cathedral Application
Tram line for 2015
All that Jazz
BOV Streets Alive launched
Donation of Maps to Museum
Entertainment at BOV Streets Alive
AFM Drill in Republic Street
My Vision of Valletta
Passport Office Moving
Public Transport Reform
St James Bastion
Strada

June 2008

Maritime Heritage Trail Launched
Malta Arts Festival 2008
Parking in Valletta
Increase in Housing Allocations
Fortification Upgrade
Fighting Congestion
Valletta - Capital of Prisoners
Melchiorre Cafà's Santa Caterina
Cannon Restored
Valletta CVA Recognised

May 2008

High-Tech Opera House
Opening of Parliament
Sciortino Plaster Casts on Display
Scout Centenary Year Parade
Sir Anthony Mamo dies at 99
State Funeral for 'People's President'
Students and Global Warming
The Evening Valletta was Bombed
A Seductive Strait Street
Crashing Entrance of 'Queen Victoria'

April 2008

CVA Bills in 11 Months
Lighting System ...
Holy Father's ...
Archbishop calls ...
Two Awards ...
The George Cross Association ...
Geoerge cross Commemoration ...
Remembering ...
Pinto ...
George Cross

Young Enterprise
Antoine Favray
European Day
Pharoahs in Valletta
Valletta Fountain Working again
European Consumer Day
Notte Bianca in European Network
Valletta Waterfront Monument

Children in Prison Protest
Door Knockers on Stamps
Grand Harbour Region according to Sant
Restoration of 17th Century Tapestry
Romance in the City
Single Mothers on State Relief
Benigni Honoured
The Magisterial Palace
Valletta Vertical Connections project
Carnival
Valletta project cut short
Candlemas Ceremony
Chinese Spring Festival
Underground Water Storage
Carnival Dancing Competitions
Painting by Lazzaro Pisani

January 2008

Alan Johnson awed by Grand Harbour
Fr Marius Zerafa
Reviving Valletta
Restoration of Mattia Preti
Paul Axiak
Subsidised Broadband Offer
Carnival and St Elmo
Sulari Fuq Strada Stretta Play
St Paul's Church Restoration
The President's Palace
Disintigration of Priceless Paintings
Ranieri Accepts Defeat
Labour's Grand Harbour Plan
St John's Co-Cathedral Extension
Restoration at All Souls Church
Love for Grand Harbour
Emanuel Fiorentino
Barroso, Prodi and Trichet

December 2007

Polverista Restoration
Shop Owners and the Euro
Photography of Vanishing Valletta
Guido de Marco's Autobiography
Euro Paving in Valletta
Euro Carpets in Valletta
Marsamxett Harbour
Merchants Str. and St John Str. regeneration
Richard Ellis Photography
Will it Happen in Valletta?
Proposal for St Elmo
Grand Harbour Investment