Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 17 a number of sports organisations with much-needed office space, meeting rooms for training, seminars and lectures. PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURE When it comes to the Performing Arts and Culture, the Authority, through the DPF has pitched in €92,000 to help with the restoration and renovation of Teatru Salesjan in Sliema. Here, the Authority is funding the restoration of all apertures surrounding the building, maintenance works to façade including the two stone balconies and renovation of the ornamental metal works along the existing garden on the theatre's side. Perit Cassar explains, "the upgrading of the theatre will ensure that the place is elevated into a more professional space for practitioners and a more comfortable environment for audiences of different abilities, age groups and mobilities." In Attard, the Authority is partially funding the construction of a cultural and educational centre in Ġnien l-Istazzjon. This new building emulates the design of the original train station with adaptations to accommodate its new use as a centre for learning. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES For local councils to administer and provide essential services at a superior level for their residents, they need modern and accessible facilities from where to operate. For this reason, the Authority through the DPF financed over €1.1million in helping the Fgura and Marsascala local councils to build new modern administrative offices. OPEN SPACES "Research shows that the quality of public spaces that residents live around has a direct impact on their lives and on the way they feel. For this reason, the PA has introduced more generous funding terms to incentivise the uptake of more Green and Blue Infrastructure in public areas." continues Perit Cassar. In recent months, a number of gardens were upgraded to ensure that they provide the public with a heartening experience. These projects, carried out by their respective local councils, include Ġnien Portomaso in St. Julians, King George V Garden in Floriana, Tal-Warda Public Garden, in Qrendi and one of Marsa's green lungs, Ġnien il-Belvedere. Here works included the installation of new play and outdoor gym equipment, new benches and lighting, planting of trees and a new irrigation system. Pjazza Madonna ta' Fatima situated in the heart of Pieta's housing estate too benefitted from the DPF and turned a 'wasted' space into an enjoyable area where neighbours can come together and foster social ties of a kind that have been disappearing in many urban areas. In Naxxar, the fund is financing up to €120,000 to transform a derelict site in Triq il-Mitħna into an accessible and attractive open space with an outdoor gym. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY In Valletta, the DPF financed the restoration and regeneration of Santu Rocca and the Soup Kitchen project. The Casa Rocca project for which the PA funded €550,000 improve the social and community life of youth living in and around the areas of Valletta. While the sum of €303,000 went towards the setting up of the Franciscan Soup Kitchen facility which started welcoming struggling persons who left the wayside of society to offer them some respite, a daily meal and other physical needs they may require. ENERGY-EFFICIENCY The Authority also backed local projects which introduce energy efficient measures. Such projects included a new lighting system for St George's Square and the surrounding old streets in Victoria and the lighting system of the Belvedere ta' Qaċċa in Xaghra, Gozo. In Malta, the two projects include the installation of an eco-friendly boat hull wash for the fishing community in Birżebbuġia and the replacement of 72 decorative lantern lamps in Birgu. A total of €237,000 was granted for these four projects. "As a committee, in recent months our aim has been to encourage more organisations to come forward with new ideas and proposals to implement urban greening projects in the urban core areas of our villages" concludes Perit Cassar. "Successful neighbourhoods are characterised by streets and open spaces that are clean, safe and attractive – areas that local people are proud of and want to spend their time in." King George V, Floriana Adminstrative Offices, Marsaskala

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