Senior Executives participate in Valletta Waterfront walkthrough
Management of Valletta Cruise Port, private operators of Valletta Waterfront and the cruise and ferry terminals at the port of Valletta, had the opportunity to welcome a number of entities reporting to the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, to discuss mutual collaborations.
During the visit, senior executives from the Arts Council Malta, the Restoration & Preservation Department, Fondazzjoni Kreattività, Festivals Malta, Heritage Malta, Valletta Cultural Agency, Teatru Manoel and MICAS had the opportunity to walk through the Valletta Waterfront visiting Magazino Hall, the Old Power House, the Chapel dedicated to the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt along with the adjacent Sagrestia Vault. These venues host assorted events.
Centrally located within the Grand Harbour, the Valletta Waterfront is a vibrant cultural hub that blends Malta’s rich maritime history with contemporary artistic expression and family activities. This revitalized area offers a dynamic mix of activities and community initiatives that celebrate local and Mediterranean culture. Whether one is interested in exploring Malta's cultural heritage, enjoy a live performance, sample food and drink from a variety of cuisines or participate in community events, the Valletta Waterfront offers a rich and engaging experience for all visitors. A diverse annual calendar of free events ranging from family activities every weekend and during holidays, live music, the spring-time Colour Fest, Maltese Nights during summer, Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations and more is available. These activities are all privately organised by Valletta Cruise Port with the support of the restaurants dotting the Valletta Waterfront, for the general public to enjoy.
Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port commented, "We recognize the vital role that culture plays in enriching our community and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse traditions that shape our collective. Since the inception of Valletta Waterfront, we have sought to support cultural initiatives through its active celebration and inclusion. Valletta Waterfront is well-placed to play centre-stage to a wealth of events from high-brow activities to more mainstream events. We are proud to support such efforts and remain committed to providing a platform where every voice and custom is valued and celebrated."
Following the restoration of the 17th-century Pinto Stores and the 16th century Forni Stores, a project that involved meticulous work to preserve the historic façades and structures, the original quay built by the Knights of St. John was uncovered and restored, alongside the historic steps. A small marina, referred to as a "laguna," was created - an initiative aimed to restore the area's historical relationship with the sea and provide a space for maritime activities. The project included the addition of a waterfront piazza and public spaces, enhancing pedestrian and vehicular circulation and the creation of venues for outdoor activities aimed at improving public engagement with the waterfront. With Valletta Waterfront located close to the sea and highly susceptible to the natural elements, incessant great care is taken that the many features of these historical edifices are protected from elemental erosion. More recently Valletta Cruise Port issued a request for proposals for the Old Power House, as well as the launch of a tender for the development of the Atrium car park whereby both will complement the Valletta Waterfront project and the operations at Valletta Cruise Port.
These restoration and development efforts reflect a commitment to preserving Malta's cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary requirements, ensuring that the Valletta Waterfront remains a dynamic and historically rich destination for both residents and visitors.
