The Barrakka LIft

In 1903, the First contract for the construction and operation of an electric lift was issued. In 1905, the Beginning of operations were initiated in mid‐December. The original lift structure was 60m tall and contained two lift cabins of 12 passengers. By 1973 the operations for Macartney Elroy’s lift were complete. Ten years later, the Government set up the “General Construction and Engineering Company” to dismantle the lift. In January 2009, AP was commissioned by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation plc to design the vertical transportation system between the Grand Harbour, Barrakka Gardens and City Gate.

The new project will seek to enhance movement between the Grand Harbour and Valletta by creating new links to Barrakka Gardens and City Gate. The lift will have a capacity of 1000 passengers per hour, and will adopt traction type technology. The primary end station, including ticketing, will be located at the lower end, in the Lascaris Ditch. The design scheme will allow for either end station to provide for sheltering during queuing. The Ditch area, including the Old Customs’ House landing area, is to be embellished, while the NSO building is to be demolished and the area landscaped.