Earlier this year saw the completion of the regeneration project of the Laparelli garden below Malta’s capital city Valletta’s main entrance, commissioned by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC). The Valletta ditch garden regeneration was part of a larger project to rejuvenate parts of the capital including City Gate, the Triton Fountain and the square.

The Contract Division at Brands International is proud to have been entrusted with works in this local public space, after having successfully completed the production and installation of all the street furniture and horse shelters at the Valletta Triton Fountain last year.

The ditch has a long interesting history behind it. It was among the first structures to be built when the renowned architect Francesco Laparelli was commissioned to design and reinforce the defence of the islands. Valletta’s ditch was in fact cut across the Sceberras Peninsula after the Great Siege of 1565 to protect the city from a land invasion. Jumping forwards to recent years, the ditch was unfortunately simply used as an unattractive car park due to parking problems in the city. Enter world-renowned architect Renzo Piano who was commissioned in 2009 with the design of the entrance to Valletta, and the rest is history. The new project included the abolishment of the car park and the conversion of the ditch into a public garden.

Works from the Contract Division at Brands International included the production (starting with shop drawings), manufacture and installation of:

• all the galvanised flat-bar metal gates,
• the Parliament gate in Douglas fir wood,
• composite decking throughout the garden walkways,
• all the bins built in corten steel and clad in composite panels,
• Bike stands in corten steel
• CNC cut tree gratings in corten steel
• information panels and electrical cabinet walkway also in corten steel.

Apart from their hard-wearing properties, the materials used provide a contemporary look against the surrounding majestic natural stone. The newly-renovated public space incorporates greenery and a lovely walk-through underneath Valletta’s grand entrance.

Other than being part of the regeneration of one of Valletta’s previously neglected areas, the award of this project gives the team at Brands International Ltd great pride in contributing towards the preservation of our capital’s heritage, to be enjoyed by many generations to come.

Photography credit – Peter M. Mercieca

*The Contract Division at Brands International focuses on creating inspiring and energising spaces be it public spaces, work spaces, residential, leisure or hospitality spaces. From the initial planning stages right through product presentation and project realisation, the team delivers custom solutions using certified products as well as bespoke creations. Set an appointment today to learn more about our services.