Architect Ian Ritchie presents Farsons business park masterplan

An initial masterplan for the development and transformation of the iconic Old Brewhouse and former packaging halls into the Farsons Business Park has been presented to the Farsons board of directors.

Farsons Group chairman Louis A. Farrugia addressed shareholders after the company’s AGM on 18 June 2014.

British firm Ian Ritchie Architects, led the team for the visionary masterplan for the façade building and land, with support from Malta engineers TBA Periti, as well as a host of specialists covering building sustainability, landscape, lighting and visitor experience design. 

“We have been working on this vision to find new uses for our iconic buildings for many years. Although it is ambitious, we feel confident that the time is right for a quality development of this magnitude to happen,” Farrugia said.

“Our business park will help transform the area and contribute to Malta’s economy by providing quality space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable. We now need to secure all the necessary approvals and funding for this project to become a reality.”

Major architectural and engineering works by Ian Ritchie include the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art in Madrid, the Leipzig Messe Glass Hall, the Louvre Sculpture Courts and Pyramids, La Villette Cité des Sciences, the Jubilee Line Extension and International Regatta Centre in London, The Spire in Dublin and the Royal Shakespeare Company Courtyard Theatre.

Ritchie is a Royal Academician, member of the Akademie der Künste, the Honorary Visiting Professor at Liverpool University, and Emeritus Commissioner Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment (CABE).  He is a Fellow of the Society of Façade Engineering.

“The Farsons project represents a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of regenerating Mrieħel, while making use of exceptional industrial heritage structures and placing their transformation into a very high quality development,” Ritchie said.

“Building upon Malta’s heritage, the design concept embraces environmentally sensitive and sustainable business pavilions set in a series of courtyard gardens, and will raise the standard of office design in Malta.

“A profound respect for the industrial heritage of Farsons’ valuable assets is at the heart of the vision, while the thinking behind the proposed masterplan seeks to capture the essence of Malta through a series of courtyard gardens, providing a unique, tranquil and inspiring place to work and visit,” Ritchie said.

The project – considered as a first of its kind in Malta – will set new spatial, environmental and technical standards for “green” buildings in Malta. Energy efficient performance and building sustainability are central to the new office design which will meet the future demands of exceptional quality work environments for Maltese and international companies.

The brewery façade will be sensitively restored and pioneer the showcasing of Malta’s industrial heritage. Once completed, the project will include around 50,000m2 of commercial space anchored by Grade A offices, together with complementary retail, leisure, cultural and social facilities. This will bring abouta new chapter in the future transformation of the industrial area of Mrieħel.

The Old Brewhouse itself will be transformed into a vibrant leisure entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, event spaces and a dynamic brewery visitor experience which celebrates the past, present and future of Farsons and its brands. The latest brewing and packaging processes and latest innovations will be showcased while providing a new generation of innovative workspace solutions for creative and emerging business enterprises. 

Before proceeding on to the detailed design phases of the finalised project, the Farsons board will be considering the way forward to secure the necessary MEPA, Transport Malta and other regulatory approvals.

The board will also be engaging with financial service providers on the best way to structure and fund the project, as well as with other potential stakeholders, such as developers in the Mrieħel area and Government agencies which own substantial areas of land in the vicinity.