Arkadia Group invests €10m to regenerate 'Is-Suq tal-Belt'

Arkadia Group’s vision for the new ‘Suq tal-Belt’ in Valletta is taking shape as the site undergoes heavy regeneration work as part of the €10 million investment.

The project is planned to be completed by the end of 2017, right before Valletta takes on the mantle of 2018 European Culture Capital.

Florentine architect Marco Casamonti, who has been entrusted with the redesign of the Suq, said that the main aim of the project was to revitalise the building once again and turn it into a cosmopolitan meeting point as seen in many European countries, including London and Madrid.

Casamonti said that workers ere currently tearing down all internal concrete and stone walls that had been added over the years, and leaving an open space with only the outer walls and the internal iron structures intact.

The architect said he had been impressed with the similarities between the Suq and others in Europe, and insisted the main reason behind the project was to create a new philosophy of renovation, inspired by the Renaissance Florence.

The new Suq, he said, would be a testimony to old structures, while looking positively to the future in an atmosphere that promoted culture, traditions and national identity.

A food market will be installed in the basement level of the new project, while various food outlets selling mostly traditional food will be found on the ground floor. The top floor will feature an open ‘square’ where visitors will be able to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine.

This area would also be made available for art and cultural events.

Arkadia Group COO Maria Micallef said the aim was to create a dynamic space where locals and foreigners could enjoy good local food while being immersed in Maltese culture and art.