Rehabilitation projects in Isla to start soon

Transport minister Joe Mizzi has announced a number of rehabilitation projects for Isla earlier today.

Speaking at Isla’s feast celebrations, Mizzi said that the projects were part of the government’s plans to regenerate the Cottonera zone and its environs.

Mizzi spoke said that the project to pave the parvis of the church had cost some €160,000.

“The parvis is now accessible for wheelchair users as it now meets KNPD standards,” he said adding that the new slope will be longer than before and it will lead to the church refectory.

Mizzi added that the government had also previously worked on the restoration of a statue of the Virgin Mary in the church and that it had also boosted beautification projects on the promenade.

“Other planned projects include the restoration of St. Julian’s Church in the area, which is expected to start next year, after the necessary permits are issued,” Mizzi said, adding that other works in the parish church were also planned.

“There are also pre-restoration plans for the ceiling of the Grand Hall and plans for the church belfry.”

Mizzi said that once the plans were approved by MEPA, a call to change the War monument from fibre glass to bronze, will also be issued. He added that the wall surrounding the Boiler Wharf would also be changed into a metal security fence to continue the beautification of the zone.

The minister also said that duscussions with the Queens Own band club were currently ongoing to restore the façade of the band club.

Further studies into a beautification of the entrance into Isla were also ongoing, including through the use of light installations, and architectural projects as well as a pilot project into the rehabilitation of the area known as tas- Sirena.