Gżira pumping station set to host local council, garden

The historic Gżira pumping station is set for a major regeneration that will preserve its Grade 1 scheduled buildings while opening up much of the site as a public garden.

A new planning application has been submitted alongside a technical tender issued by the Water Services Corporation (WSC), which operates the sewage pumping station and is acting as the contracting authority.

The project proposes the rehabilitation of the formal garden areas and conversion of the surrounding external areas into a public garden. The main building will undergo extensive restoration, with parts converted into offices for Gżira local council and multi-purpose spaces to be shared by the council and WSC. A play area, a cafeteria and public toilet facilities are proposed along Triq Luqa Briffa, where a secondary entrance is being proposed. The pavement along the street will also be reconstructed. The main access will be from Rue D’ Argens.

The plans also include an underground reservoir, alterations and structural consolidation of the boundary walls on all four sides of the site, and restoration of the existing reinforced-concrete water tank.

A previous planning application for the site, which also proposed restoration of the pumping station complex, a public garden and an underground reservoir, has since been withdrawn.

The pumping station dates back to the late 19th century and was built as part of Malta’s early sewerage infrastructure. Its distinctive neo-gothic architecture makes it an important historic landmark.

Its distinctive neo-gothic architecture makes it an important historic landmark.

The sewage pumping station will remain fully operational throughout construction. Its facilities will be upgraded through a new operations building, substation and telemetry-operated motor control centre.

The historic water tower will be restored and incorporated into a new water feature.

The tender also imposes green procurement requirements. At least 55% by weight of non-hazardous demolition and strip-out waste must be prepared for reuse, recycling or recovery.

Landscaping soil must be free of peat and sewage sludge, while rainwater from roofs will be collected in the reservoir and reused for irrigation through programmable controls and soil moisture sensors.

Mature trees earmarked for preservation will have to be protected from construction activity, including root compaction.