Design is ‘an approach to problem-solving that can be applied across the private and public sectors to drive innovation in products, services, society and even policy-making by putting people first.’ I am quoting Dr Anna Whicher, PDR International Centre for Design and Research, UK with the Valletta Design Cluster in mind.
We announced updates to this innovative project this week. It is now taking shape and will be a first-of-its-kind initiative in Malta. The Valletta Design Cluster will have space dedicated to NGOs and individuals working in the cultural and creative sectors based in Malta – a €9.3 million project partially funded by European funds.
Situated at the Old Abattoir site, we are regenerating dilapidated and long-abandoned buildings into a new cultural gem. At the same time, we will be giving much deserved importance to this part of our capital city.
As I said during the launch, the Valletta Design Cluster was conceived to improve the urban environment for Valletta residents, and to serve as an empowerment platform for Malta’s burgeoning cultural and creative operators. This project serves as another prime example of the importance culture and the arts hold, and how this government is striving to making this ever-growing sector more accessible to all.
Apart from having spaces dedicated to the community and NGOs, the Valletta Design Cluster will also have an innovative green roof in the capital city, which will be open to both residents and visitors and which will be fully accessible through a dedicated lift at street level. This initiative will add another green space to Valletta’s urban fabric in the heart of its lower residential area.
The garden’s design is underway, and is being handled by renowned young Japanese architect and award winner Tetsuo Kondo, in collaboration with the Faculty for the Built Environment at the University of Malta. Yet another opportunity for local and foreign artists to share talents and experience.
The converted site will incorporate different spaces that contribute to building a vibrant creative hub of activity.
As Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said during the launch, this is part of the tangible legacy that the Valletta 2018 – European Capital of Culture project has left behind, which is now being handled by the newly-established Valletta Cultural Agency.
The project’s strategic objective is to contribute to the urban regeneration efforts being carried out by the government in the mainly residential Marsamxett side of Valletta, and specifically to improve social, cultural and economic well-being through investment in improved cultural infrastructure that generates new common spaces for the community to interact, as well as sustained economic activity and employment.
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Another investment of €5m is the rehabilitation project co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund that will see two buildings restored to enhance space for the Notarial Archives.
Through such interventions, not only are we ensuring the preservation of such magnificent historic buildings found in our capital city, but we are making the Notarial Archives more accessible whilst making use of their full potential for the benefit of our community. As a government, we are committed to further enhance and invest in our local heritage, by strengthening it as a cultural product, for locals and foreigners alike.
Restoration works carried out on the facades of the Notarial Archives by the Restoration Directorate are nearing completion. Internal alteration and restoration works have also started at the recently acquired adjacent building located at 217, Saint Paul Street, Valletta.
The project will bring about the transformation of two buildings. The Notarial Archives housed in an early 18th century palazzo at 24, St Christopher Street, Valletta and the adjacent building at 217, St Paul Street, will be interconnected and transformed into a leading centre of excellence in historical research, conservation and scientific investigation.
The funding received is not only being used to preserve the collection of over 20,000 notarial volumes of international prestige and rich historical and social value, but also used to enhance the accessibility of the Notarial Archives and its volumes for researchers and the public.
The buildings will be integrated into one unit, and will house a new repository, shelving the volumes in a professional manner and in the best possible environment; as well as a state-of-the-art paper conservation laboratory. The building will also have a museum and a visitors’ centre which will showcase the collection and attract local research communities, the public and cultural tourists; and research amenities including an updated reading room and lecturing spaces.
The new Notarial Archive centre will include accommodation for artists in residence, a digitisation area as well as an area for volunteers. Such facilities will pave the way for the Notarial Archives to become an international leader of archival research and of preservation and conservation of paper heritage.
Restoration works on the facades with an investment of around €230,000 begun in April 2018 and are now are almost complete, covering an area of 650 square meters. Internal restoration and alteration works are expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2020.
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Culture and the Community.
This evening a concert will be held at ĦalGħaxaq grounds in aid of Dar Bjorn.
I applaud the organisers as this fits in with our aim of having culture and the arts more accessible to everyone and in this case, for a just cause. This is yet another example of how culture does make a difference.
Organised by St Joseph Band Club of Għaxaq the concert will feature Break Free, considered one of the best Queen tribute bands in Europe. Entrance is completely free of charge, but donations for Dar Bjorn will be collected at the door. For more information visit the Għaxaq Music Events Facebook page.