The Triton Fountain Square and Biskuttin area embellishment project is estimated to cost €10 million, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi told The Malta Independent.

The funds will not include any EU funds, as the project is not eligible, the minister said.

Project plans were unveiled last week, however the minister together with Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia and Chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi today made the plans available for public viewing at the Parliament building in Valletta.

The Triton Square will no longer serve as a public transport hub; instead it will be used for social, cultural and recreational activities.  It will also become completely pedestrianized with the fountain as its focal point.

They said that the pedestrian area leading to the entrance of Valletta will become a continuous walk from Floriana's Biskuttin area to City Gate, with open public spaces and the historical importance of the square's surrounding bastions will be emphasised. The ditch at City Gate will be converted into a garden.

Work on the projects is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 and planning applications were submitted to the Planning Authority on Friday.

Minister Joe Mizzi stressed that widespread consultation occurred, adding that even architect Renzo Piano gave his input, free of charge. He also spoke of the importance of coordination with all those involved in the project, including Transport Malta as well as Malta Public Transport.

Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia said that the project was one among many which occurred in Valletta, such as the new Parliament building. On that not however, he urged that the Parliamentary archives and library, meant to be built at the -2 level of the Parliament building, be given attention, as they are not complete.

Photos by Jonathan Borg.