The plan was presented by Cottonera Rehabilitation Project coordinator Ray Bondin. The two Israeli consultants who drew up the plan gave a presentation and explained the main objectives they aimed to reach.

Giora Solar and Arie Rahimimoff said the project had two main goals – to preserve the Vittoriosa heritage while improving the quality of life of its residents. “Vittoriosa’s history served as a background for the plan and a good plan will also stimulate the economy and generate the tourism industry,” they explained.

The consultants believe the clock tower that was demolished in WWII and had its remnants covered up should be rebuilt. “It would make a dramatic difference to the skyline and would also give people the chance to get a beautiful view from the tower itself,” said Mr Rahimimoff.

When asked whether they thought the tower should be an exact replica of the original, Mr Solar said that a modern clock tower would look very out of place in the square. “Although one must take the ethics of conservation into account, I believe an exact replica would be the most suitable. The issue of what stone should be used and whether it should look new or be made to look old is another matter altogether,” he said.

Mr Rahimimoff added that Vittoriosa has hundreds of years of history and the clock tower has only been missing for around 60 years. “When seeing the bigger picture, there was not such a big gap from the tower’s demolition to the present day,” he noted.

The consultants made a great emphasis on the historical and cultural importance of the fortification around the city. Although these do not directly affect the citizens, they have the potential to be another Unesco World Heritage Site, which is also something the consultants want to bring about.

The fortifications are a symbol of the story of Vittoriosa. Mr Solar explained at this point in time they could be seen as “Europe’s victory over Islam,” hastily adding that this might not be a very politically correct statement to make.

“A good plan must look to the future while being realistic,” Mr Solar said. He explained that often conflicts arise. For example, one must preserve the culture of the city but also provide parking since it is the 21st century and these needs must be accounted for.

They proposed that a parking area be created outside the walls of the city, under the football pitch. This will not only leave the pitch free, but will solve the parking problem and encourage more people to visit the city. Tourist coaches will also be able to park in this area. This is a vital point since, at present, the coaches are simply parking in any free space.

When speaking about tourists in Vittoriosa, the consultants said there are no hotels, restaurants or coffee shops to cater for the tourists and therefore this can put them off visiting the place.

Mr Bondin explained that the proposed plan includes the opening of a bed-and-breakfast complex and other establishments to solve the problem highlighted by the experts. The consultants were made even more aware of the lack of hotels since they stayed in Vittoriosa on all their visits to Malta and obviously found it difficult to find accommodation. “We wanted to really get a feel for the place and its people,” they said. They visited the band clubs and spoke to people to understand how they feel about their city getting a ‘facelift’.

When The Malta Independent asked one of the consultants whether the people were aware of the cultural value of their city, he said they often contradicted themselves: they knew of the heritage that lies in Vittoriosa, but were unsure of any sacrifices they would make for it to be preserved.

A typical example of this is parking. “Everyone wants to park their car right outside the door of their house,” he said. This is a commodity, but in order to conserve the cultural heritage one must be practical.

The plan proposes cultural, infrastructural and aesthetic changes to the city. A detailed comprehensive plan for the main square is needed along with the organisation of tourist walks around the city.

The consultants explained that even things like window shutters and shop facades will be given attention to help encapsulate the cultural and historical aura of the locality.

When asked when work is due to begin, Mr Bondin said the plan should be put into action immediately. The parking plans will be funded privately and hopefully any interested parties will be drawn to invest.

The plan cost Lm40,000 to be drawn up and Mr Bondin believes this was money well spent to give Vittoriosa the attention and prestige it deserves once the plan is translated into action.