The Planning Commission in a statement, said that it has recently given the green light for a further two projects which will result in a much needed facelift to a number of dilapidated buildings.

The means that streets in Valletta, which are synonymous with grim facades and abandoned buildings, are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Restoration works are to be carried out on the facades of three adjacent large houses on one of the projects, covering a stretch of over 30 meters.

The PA said that these properties are situated in Strait Street. One of the houses having door numbers 114, 115, 116 and 117, was owned by Fra Agostino Sans de Lallosa.

This three storey building became the property of the Order of the Knights through the spoglio of Fra Agostino who died on the 26th December 1701.

Then there is the adjacent property, which today is accessed through door numbers 118, 119 and 120 and is that known as Casa Viani. The Authority said that elements of baroque are evident in the facade with the windows having a thick Maltese moulding.

Casa Viani. is built on two floors, although some intermediate levels added later are now evident. It was bought by Vincenzo Viani at an auction sale of the Seneschal’s Office. The PA remarked that Vincenzo Viani limited the inheritance of all his property, with the exception of this house.

In 1734, the house became the property of the Università which was used as a part payment for money that Viani owed it.

The Manoel Foundation eventually acquired the premises through a public auction. This is confirmed by a plaque over the round window of door number 119. Part of the ground floor of this building was converted into the Piccadilly Bar during the late nineteenth century.

Door numbers 121 and 122 make up the third property and consists of a building with a simple classical facade built symmetrically with a balcony in the middle, now lost except for the two corbels.

The original owner of the house was Fra Nicole de Cintraj. The Authority said that in 1731 this property was sold to the Manoel Foundation. Part of the ground floor of this property was opened up separately as a commercial establishment.

The second approved project , the Planning Authority said, will see restoration works carried out on the 18 meter long facade of the Kerreja Building in St. Paul’s Street.

The property which has 5 floors is sited right opposite the landmark building which housed the popular Valletta Market.

The PA added that the facade which will be restored shows typical architectural features of traditional Maltese town houses, while the main entrance door has a very special stone frame with specific stone mouldings.

The Planning Authority concluded by saying that these two approved projects are part of the “strategic ongoing drive, commitment and investment that Government and the commercial sector have been placing towards the regeneration of Malta’s Capital.”

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