PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER Investment in the regeneration of our country’s capital city

• Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurates restoration project of the Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St. Paul in Valletta

During the ceremony inaugurating the restoration of the bells of the Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St. Paul in Valletta, which also marked the completion of the bell tower restoration funded through European funds, Prime Minister Robert Abela underlined that this building forms part of the identity of our capital city and must therefore be preserved and safeguarded.

Dr Abela noted that after decades of exposure to the natural elements, urgent restoration was required. Expressing his satisfaction at the completion of the works on both the bell tower and the bells, the Prime Minister highlighted that the project was made possible through a significant investment, with around €4.2 million of European funds allocated by the Government to carry out the necessary works. He added that the Pro-Cathedral also benefited from support provided by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and the National Social Development Fund (NDSF).

Prime Minister Abela also acknowledged the contribution of the HSBC Malta Foundation for the restoration of the bells, stressing: “This is what happens when we work together — Government and the community, hand in hand, to safeguard what belongs to all of us.”

He remarked that this project complements other initiatives linked to the regeneration of Valletta. With an investment of more than €24 million, in recent years, the communities in Valletta have benefited from new open spaces, enhanced educational facilities, and the restoration of historic landmarks including the Grandmaster’s Palace, among others.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the restoration of Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St Paul is more than just a project; it is a commitment to continue safeguarding the heritage entrusted to us by past generations. He also referred to the annual Notte Bianca festival, where the Pro-Cathedral will once again be among the cultural sites open for the public to visit and appreciate this heritage.