Two fountains are to be installed in St Anne Square, Sliema, and a plan to build a small kiosk instead of the Magic Kiosk, which has been removed, has now been ditched, Resources and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino, and Lands parliamentary secretary Jason Azzopardi told a news conference yesterday.

What it means is that with the removal of the Magic Kiosk the square will be re-instated as a public urban landmark.

In the 1960s, the square was a favorite meeting place, especially for youngsters frequenting the surrounding cinemas. The removal earlier this year of the turquoise structure that occupied the square completely since 1974, has uncovered the shop windows and the façade of the former Majestic Theatre, and majestic it is. Stone slabs have been laid on the ground and low round stone benches built around the three old trees in the square.

The two fountains to be installed will include a copy of the original fountain built to mark the arrival of piped water in Sliema. The original is now standing in Balluta Bay. Another ground fountain with 11 lit water jets will replace the original plan of setting up a small kiosk in the square. The fountains are intended to give life and peace back to the square, deadening the dominating roar of the traffic, with the relaxing sounds of cascading water.

The kiosk plan was ditched to keep the square totally free from tables and chairs. Kiosks will be allowed only along the Sliema strand promenade, which is to be embellished eventually.

Mr Pullicino and Dr Azzopardi said that the works department carried out the works and the square will be inaugurated next month. The government’s plan is to slowly upgrade other Sliema open spaces.