Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Resources Minister Ninu Zammit attended the ceremony. Mr Zammit said that this latest project was only one link in the chain of projects that aims to regenerate the Cottonera area.

He said the government was giving particular importance to the Cottonera area. Various projects had been completed in recent months, such as the paving of St Michael’s Square, the restoration of St Michael’s statue, aid towards the restoration of a house for the local council, work with the council to improve Azzopardi Square and the restoration of two watch-towers.

Mr Zammit said the work carried out over the past year had been intensive and extensive – but at the same time far-reaching. This particular project was a public-private partnership.

The work included the removal of a concrete floor that had been in place since before the second world war, the installation of new drains, the uncovering of the original flooring of the gate house and general cleaning and strengthening of stone which had deteriorated over the years.

The gate was constructed between 1697 and 1720 during the reign of Grandmaster Perellos. and had sustained damage during the second world war.

Mr Zammit thanked all those who had been involved in the restoration of the gate, including the Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee, department workers and the local council.