Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi visited Monolith Productions offices where a virtual reality and augmented reality app is being developed following the awarding of a public call for tenders valued at €1.6 million, co-financed by European funds. The project is being managed by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation.

Minister Ian Borg said that, “the Government recognises the unique value of this historical part of our capital city. That is why we have embarked on an extensive regeneration project which is being implemented efficiently and with the highest quality by the GHRC. Here we can see European and local resources coming together to breathe new life into this area from an aspect of architectural preservation, the improvement of public infrastructure, as well as the social dimension, with abandoned buildings being filled with life and with Maltese families. Today we can see this project which will give Maltese and foreign visitors an opportunity to experience different parts of the Marsamxett area in different eras. Here we have another clear example of the investment this Government is making both to raise the standard of living of our country as well as to boost our touristic product.”

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that this project is incorporating the use of technology as part of the Marsamxett regeneration project in Valletta. The parliamentary secretary held that through virtual reality technology, one can observe the changes over the years of the buildings whereby “the visitor will be able to observe what there presently is and what was lost throughout the years”. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this investment, which is co-funded by European funds, will lead to a better appreciation of the cultural heritage of Marsamxett and its surroundings. He concluded by stating that this project provides an opportunity to use technology to enhance the Maltese tourism product.

This app will include information about the buildings and history of the area in five different languages, the possibility to take pictures and selfies in an environment inspired by the past as well as an underwater experience, amongst other features. The featured sites will be various but include among others the Auberge de Baviere, Auberge d’Aragon and House of Catalunya, the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Fort St Elmo, the bastions and the Manderaggio zone.