Embellishment works at Misrah ir-Repubblika in Zejtun

The Grade 2 protected Misraħ ir-Repubblika in Żejtun will undergo embellishment works after the Planning Commission approved planning permission for a project to be carried out in one of the three squares which are located at the tip of a large public urban space which is occupied centrally by the Zejtun Parish Church.

This open space, known amongst the locals as ‘the lower parvis’, will see the installation of new lava and hard stone tiles which will replace the existing cement. Similar works will take place on the steps and pavement leading up to and around the parvis. New benches and uplighters will also be installed to illuminate the facade of the Parish Centre.

A new water feature will be reinstated at the corner end of the site which will serve as a reminder of an ‘Għajn tal-ilma’ (source of water) which existed at the same location but had been demolished during works to the parvis in the past.

Works will also involve minor restoration works to the stone balustrades around the outer perimeter of the parvis.

The works will be carried out in accordance with an approved restoration method statement and monitored by the Planning Authority’s conservation officers. The restoration method statement has been endorsed by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

"The parvis is an important social and cultural urban space which is frequented by the villagers as an informal meeting place and used throughout the year to host a number of cultural and social events organised by the church and other societies at Żejtun," the Planning Authority said.