The newly rehabilitated Pjazza tal-Belt Vittoriosa, also known as Victory Square in Birgu was officially inaugurated today following an extensive regeneration project led by renowned urban design firm Studjurban.

The 2,100m² square, which lies at the heart of the historic city, has undergone a complete transformation that balances modern urban functionality with deep respect for its heritage. The project reimagines the square as a vibrant civic space while preserving its emotional and historical significance.

Key landmarks in the square include the iconic statue of St Lawrence, a monument symbolising Malta’s triumphs, and a newly revealed feature: the original footprint of Birgu’s former clock tower. Once a dominant feature of the skyline, the tower was destroyed during World War II but now lives on through a sensitive visual tribute.

“Urban planning, especially in the very heart of a community, is never straightforward,” said Dr Antoine Zammit, architect and director at Studjurban. “It requires a delicate balance between the spirit of the place, its collective memory, and the often powerful nostalgia of its residents.”

The emotional connection locals feel toward the long-lost clock tower was central to the redesign. A red travertine perimeter enriched with a brass strip now marks the original boundaries of both the historic square and the tower’s base, while vertical elements hint at the structure’s former scale. Informative panels provide historical context, helping residents and visitors alike connect with Birgu’s rich past.

But the regeneration wasn’t only about symbolism. Victory Square previously suffered from heavy traffic, disorganised parking, unsafe pedestrian conditions, and a steep gradient that made access difficult, particularly for people with mobility issues.

“Our ongoing experience with the Slow Streets initiative — which addresses urban safety and accessibility, helped guide our approach here,” Dr Zammit explained. “The goal was to create a more welcoming, functional space that puts people first.”

The redesigned square now features an expansive pedestrian-focused area, shaded seating zones, discreet landscaping, and well-organised parking. Traffic flow has been restricted and reorganised into a one-way system around the perimeter, enhancing safety without excluding residents or public transport.

At the heart of the project is a renewed sense of place one that honours the past while embracing the present and future.

“By visually reinstating the footprint of the clock tower, we’re not just commemorating what once stood here, we’re giving that memory a meaningful place within today’s urban life,” Dr Zammit concluded.