Project Description
Castille Place is located on the highest part of the land-front of Valletta. The square is enclosed by various prominent buildings and structures, amongst which are the Auberge de Castille which housed the Castillian and Portuguese knights of the Order of St. John, St. James’ Cavalier which is one of the two keeps within Valletta’s fortifications, the Malta Stock Exchange, formerly a British Garrison Church, and the Valletta Post Office, formerly the Casa dell’ Annona, where all business in connection with the importation of cereals and other foodstuffs was transacted, some of which were stored in a number of grain silos scattered within the square.
In 1927, works were commenced for traffic from Floriana to enter Valletta from the square and a road spanning the ditch was built and named Duke of York Avenue, which in 1964 was renamed Triq Glormu Cassar. For some years, the square also served as a terminus for some of the route busses.
In 2007, the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) was entrusted with the rehabilitation of Castille Place which was partially financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERFD403), and estimated to cost around €2.5 million.
The project involved the earthworks, paving and embellishment of the square ensuring a more aesthetic look to the area, including the pedestrianisation of a large area of the square and creating additional open spaces within the city. The project helped to improve and regulate vehicular traffic from this part of Valletta and controlling its movement and that of pedestrians. Through the refurbishment of the square artistic lighting was installed to accentuate the visibility and detail of the square.
The trees that were in the central roundabout were removed and replanted in another locality and trees were to be planted around the square to make up for their removal. As part of this upgrading, the laying of a concrete sub-base for underground services was to be prepared for the paving works. The embellishment involved some 7,000m2 of various types of paving, new street furniture and a fountain. Some of the old grain silos were also uncovered and recapped.
The project was completed and officially inaugurated in October 2015 on the occasion of the visit by Queen Elizabeth II for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
