Architecture Project (AP) has been awarded the Europa Nostra architectural prize for cultural heritage for its conservation and restoration of the Pinto Stores, the Forni Stores and the historical quay wall at the Valletta Waterfront.

David Drago, one of AP’s partners, and Emilio Sacco, an associate with the firm,

collected the award on behalf of AP.

The European Cultural Heritage Awards Ceremony took place in Madrid at the Palacio Real de El Prado, where 34 other European laureates were awarded prizes. The medal was awarded to Architecture Project “for the remarkable regeneration of a grandiose Baroque harbour and the establishment of an authentic link between the sea and the historic urban environment.”

In his closing address at the ceremony, Europa Nostra executive president Andrea Schuller stressed that “each awarded project is a result of an exemplary cooperation between the owners, architects, craftsmen, the public authorities concerned, the managers of the projects and those who have funded it.”

The ceremony was presided over by Queen Sofia of Spain, patron of Hispania Nostra – Spain’s representative in Europa Nostra – and attended by laureates, dignitaries and various representatives from the public sector and civil society involved in the enhancement and conservation of architectural heritage throughout Europe.

The Valletta Waterfront Project, executed by Viset (Malta) plc, is an ongoing project. The most recent work includes the new cruise passenger terminal in the restored Kalkara oil vats. Current work involves the restoration of the old power station, as well as the development of the ferry terminal.

A bronze plaque, representing the award, will be affixed to the façade of Pinto Stores in the coming weeks.