Lift you up

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Postcard showing the old Valletta lift

Gosh, two opportunities to show off these old postcards I bought at the car boot sale. Well, great news that of the plans to rebuild the old lift. Valletta being the hilly place it is, it would be convenient to be able to get from Lascaris Wharf (near Customs House) up to Upper Barrakka again. It's all part of a plan to make getting to and from Valletta easier as water taxis and ferries will be the order of the day soon enough.

The old lift was built in 1905 and functioned until 1970. It was taken apart in 1983. It was made out of steel and carried two passenger cars of twelve passengers each. The cost in 1905 was £5K. The largest customer base was the British Navy and Merchant Marine and those who crossed the harbour using the ferries.

The new lift's contemporary look has already grated with the usual moaners that leave their comments on the Times Online. It will be made out of concrete and a metal framework, have three panoramic cabins and will be able to carry 1,000 people an hour.

I, for one, simply can't wait.
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