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10 COMMERCIAL 29.9.2022 A string of historical religious street niches within the locality of Sliema, bearing a variety of saints', will be re- stored through the financial assistance of the Planning Authority's Develop- ment Planning Fund (DPF). e project which is being carried out by the Rotary Club La Valette and the Sliema Local council will see the restoration of 15 niches and statues in various street around Sliema. Many of these statues show a devotion to Saint Paul, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Anthony. Over the years many of these statues have been painted over several times or left exposed to the elements, with them showing signs of deterioration. For this project the Authority will be funding just over €34,000. e Minister for Public Works and Planning, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that it was his Government's duty to utilise public funds such as the De- velopment Planning Fund as this helps to conserve the historical heritage in the heart of towns and villages. Zrinzo Azzopardi thanked the Plan- ning Authority that manages this Fund, the Rotary Club Malta, and Tas Sliema Local Council for their initiatives. He appealed to more organizations to fol- low the same example. Perit Vincent Cassar, Chairperson of the PA's Development Planning Fund said "Niches, or niċċa in Maltese, are synonymous with the historical street- scapes of our towns and villages. Our forefathers openly displayed their de- votion to particular saints by decorat- ing their image in a niche on the façade or corner of their homes. Although today it is much rarer to find a new development incorporat- ing this architectural element into the building, we are duty bound to safe- guard and protect the numerous stat- ues and niches add to the character of our traditional towns and villages." Perit Cassar concluded "We want to thank the Rotary Club La Vallette for taking on this noble initiative in collab- oration with the Sliema Local Council. We encourage other similar organisa- tions to follow suit and take up other projects which serve to enhance the quality of life for the locality's commu- nity." Sliema Mayor John Pillow said, "Safe- guarding our cultural heritage remains on the forefront of the Local Councils agenda. It is for this reason that works are beginning on the first 15 niches around the locality and we will contin- ue to protect these niches around our locality." Street niches were introduced in Mal- ta in the time of the Knights when in 1569 Grand Master Pietro del Monte introduced new regulations concern- ing what was necessary to build in a city or in a corner. Property owners were obliged to dec- orate the corners with ornaments such as statues, niches or else with the coat of arms of the respective families. In fact, these architectural religious features were first seen in Valletta and the ree Cities, but smaller towns and villages soon caught on the tradition. e Authority also agree to fund the artistic production of a monument which will be dedicated to the former Sliema Wanders football legend Tony Nicholl. e monument is being com- mission by the Sliema Wanderers Foot- ball Club and the Sliema local council will be placed in Pjazza Sant'Anna at the Sliema Ferries. Undoubtfully, one of Malta's football icons, Tony Nicholl's was greatly ad- mired for his extremely versatile quali- ties on the field of play. Spanning a 26-year career in top class football, Nicholls was approached sev- eral times to sign for the then top di- vision English team Charlton Athletic. He turned down the offers for family reasons. e youngest of 23 siblings, Tony at- tended Stella Maris College and start- ed playing for the Sliema Wanderers' senior team in 1931. With the Wander- ers he won ten championships, nine FA Trophy medals, seven Cassar Cups, plus one with Valletta as a guest play- er, and six times the Scicluna Cup. He passed away on the March 11, 1999. Planning Authority to fund restoration A niche dedicated to Sacro Cuor in Triq Rudolfu

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