The difference in height between Valletta’s Grand Harbour and the only access to the city atop its 16th century fortifications is 52 m — the equivalent of a 17 storey building. A new lift improves access to the city from the port, helping to boost tourism as well as reducing road congestion.
- 12 December 2014
Prior to the lift’s installation, the only access to Valletta from the harbour was by car or on foot. Car journeys led to needless traffic congestion and pollution, while entry on foot was only via a long and steep uphill route — and thus was not conducive to access for people with mobility impairments. The newly installed lift cuts journey time down to 25 seconds, providing an efficient green access route.
As well as being of benefit to the many tourists visiting the town from cruise liners docked in the Grand Harbour, the project has also opened a new route for commuters from Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa and their neighbouring towns. A linked system between the harbour ferries and the lift allows passengers to traverse the Grand Harbour by boat to the landing point a few metres away from the Barrakka Lift, then take the lift straight into the city with no additional payment. This new route takes approximately 20 minutes, as opposed to the 35 minutes it would take to arrive at the same destination by private vehicle and the 45 minutes if using previous public transport provisions. In 2013 this new route was being used by almost 5 000 people.
Green power
The lift mechanism features an innovative form of regenerative technology in its machinery that enables part of the energy generated through the elevator system to be recovered. In addition, the lighting systems illuminating the project and surrounding landscaped area are energy-efficient LED type and fluorescent lighting, thereby minimising the project’s energy requirements. Together, these measures minimise electrical consumption and simultaneously contribute towards a reduction in pollution.
Panoramic views
Apart from being an attraction in itself, this project is unique since no other major port in Europe is surrounded by fortified cities. A journey in the new lift offers a beautiful panoramic view of the area whilst also providing for reduced travel time between the Harbour area and the city centre. In 2013 240 364 people used the lift, and this number is expected to increase year on year up to 243 000 in 2019.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the “Vertical Connector” project is EUR 2 596 716, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributed EUR 2 115 250 for the 2007 to 2013 programming period, under the Operational Programme “Investing in competitiveness for a better quality of life”.