One of these was the restoration of the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The gardens were given a Lm230,000 face-lift and the improvement can only be described as remarkable. The restoration work included the installation of 55 benches, 150 lights and the planting of 50 trees.

The garden was first opened in 1824. Another section was added 100 years later in 1924.

The garden may have been very elegant when it was first opened, but it had deteriorated drastically. However, the place never lost its charm because of the beautiful view it commands of the whole Grand Harbour. In addition, it has always been a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Valletta.

But it can be very easy to forget just how a place looked before it was restored. This newspaper contacted the Ministry of Infrastructure and Resources to ask for some photographs of the garden and they were duly provided.

The difference is very notable. The place looks spruce, well lit, and tastefully designed. It is worth a visit. Lately, government and the private sector have been pulling out all the stops to restore some fantastic pieces of heritage in capital projects. Maybe it is because both have realised the aesthetic values as well as the commercial value in doing so.

Let us hope that projects such as the EU accession celebrations, Barrakka, Fort Saint Angelo, Pinto Wharf and others are followed up with a continuous effort to bring more heritage back to life.