The Old Treasury in Vittoriosa is being brought back to life after considerable restoration work as part of the Cottonera Waterfront project.

The building will eventually house five catering establishments, three of which have already opened, while a number of shipping companies will be located on the first floor.

These companies are expected to employ 200 people from Cottonera.

Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett yesterday visited the site where Treasury Development Co Ltd invested Lm1.2 million in restoration work.

Minister Mugliett said that the investment in the Old Treasury building is another step towards the government’s plan to regenerate the area and to offer new job opportunities for the people living in the Three Cities.

He also said that Treasury building fits in excellently with the other attractions of the quay, the Casino di Venezia, the Grand Harbour Marina and the Maritime Museum.

Mr Mugliett said that his ministry is evaluating proposals forwarded by the Gruppo Romegas consortium with regard to the development of Dock No.1.

Treasury Development Co. Ltd director Mario Camilleri said that great care was given at preserving the characteristics of the building. He said that once ready, the Cottonera Waterfront will be a one kilometre long landmark for the Maltese Islands.

The next phase of the project will include the installation of street lighting, street furniture and soft landscaping. The Malta Transport Authority (ADT) was responsible for the paving of the waterfront where 6,000 square metres of granite were used. ADT was also responsible for the underground services.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, ADT architects said that some services were passed through British period pipe works which were cleaned and made fit for re-use.