The Archives of the Public Works Department is a treasure trove of historical richness — one that holds thousands of architectural plans, maps, and drawings of public spaces and landscapes scattered across the Maltese Islands. From auberges and fountains to theatres and civic structures, the collection traces Malta’s built story as far back as 1850, during British rule, forming an essential part of the country’s urban and cultural fabric.

Though these archives have always been open to anyone in need of them, awareness around their value has remained surprisingly low. That’s precisely why, in 2023, a series of exhibitions was launched to reintroduce the public to a heritage that is, in fact, theirs.

For decades, these delicate drawings were stored in traditional wooden drawers — a method that, while once standard, offered little protection for long-term preservation. Recognising this, the Department is now investing in archival-grade, modern storage solutions that protect the material from environmental wear and ensure its longevity.

Alongside this, three new high-resolution scanners have been procured in different formats, marking the beginning of a large-scale digitisation project — an essential step in ensuring that all archival records are preserved and accessible for the years to come.

The team responsible for managing the records is also developing a digital platform that uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map archived content spatially — allowing plans and blueprints to be viewed as points on a living, interactive map. Once completed, this system will be accessible to all departmental employees through secure CorpID logins via ArcGIS Online, bridging the past and present in one integrated digital space.