publicworksdepartment.gov.mt

Public Buildings


Floriana: Refurbishment of Premises for IAID in Triq Sa Maison

This building, which is located opposite Sa Maison Bastion, was built in the British period to be used as a bakery. Over the years, it has served other purposes including a slaughter house, local bank offices as well as government offices. The building has traditional stone masonry walls on the outside and an internal steel structure supporting reinforced concrete slabs.

The project consisted of refurbishing the right wing of the original building which consists of a basement and three floors above. An internal part of the building and the facade next to the Transport Malta offices were demolished and rebuilt. Demolition inside the premises was carried out such that the fire escape stairs and lift shaft are built in accordance with current standards, to provide adequate toilets with an internal shaft to eliminate services on the façade, as well as to remove parts of the structure that were condemned. The side facade, a more recent and insignificant intervention, was demolished because its poor condition was considered dangerous during the works.

In the retained part of the building, paint was removed from the steel structure and an intumescent coating was applied to protect it in case of fire. In this area, the paint was removed from the walls and ceilings. To reduce dampness in the walls, a separate brick wall with membrane at the back was built in the basement and special boards were fixed to the walls in the upper floors. Plastering and painting was carried out where required. A raised flooring system was installed to leave the steel structure exposed. Gypsum and glass partitions were fixed in place and the windows were replaced with new double-glazed wooden apertures. Restoration work has also been carried out on the facade.

New electrical, water and drainage systems as well as air conditioning and heat recovery systems, and electronic security systems have been installed.

Gomorino Bridge

This bridge was completed in 1900 as part of the extension to the train rails. Due to their historical importance, this bridge as well as the train station building are scheduled as Grade 1. Due to this fact, the works carried out were done with the utmost care and attention.

The works carried out on the Bridge included:

  • Extensive restoration on the parapet of the bridge, including new work of missing parts.
  • Cleaning of walls where recent graffiti have been removed and plastered with adequate and special material;
  • The road from the station to the main road between Mdina and Mtarfa was removed. A new concrete base was laid, as well as a new surfacing.

The concrete railings that existed along the road had severe damage and were removed. The style of these railings was typically of the 1960s. This were probably manufactured instead of the original ones of the early 20th century. Other new stone fencing was made and secured to the base of the road for more safety. Above this new fence an iron railing has been installed to ensure that it does not obstruct the view, so that it can be totally enjoyed.

  • A new pavement has been built to facilitate pedestrian use. Thus, ensuring a    safer and more accessible pathway for pedestrians.
  • A new modern less consuming lighting system was installed. All related services were passed in ducts under the pavement.
  • Existing trees and bushes were all correctly pruned;
  • Invasive trees and plants were removed, while trees that were dangerous to public safety were removed. Several native trees have been replanted in the same area and vicinities.
Project to improve the Energy Performance of Project House – Works carried out:
  • This project was carried out to improve the energy performance of Project House building.
  • The works consisted of fitting insulation boards on the outside, to the facades of the building as well as the cladding of hardstone on an aluminum structure, ensuring a ventilated cavity. 
  • All apertures were refitted and made of aluminum thermal break and double-glazed glass.
  • The skylight was also manufactured of double-glazed glass. 
  • On the roof, the existing concrete surface was removed to install a layer of insulation and a new concrete surface was laid with a heat reflective coating.
  • Building integrated photovoltaic panels have been installed on the facades of the building facing the South.
  • More efficient centralised VRF   air conditioning systems have been installed.
  • A Building Management System (BMS) has also been set up to operate and control all energy systems and services thus resulting in a reduction of energy use.
  • Work started in early January 2021 and was completed in September 2022.
  • The EPC rating has now been upgraded to class A.
Construction Facilities for customs dog section in Ħal Far

A modern and equipped building was built in Ħal Far to serve for the customs dog section. In addition to necessary facilities for both workers and dogs, landscaping was also carried out in the surrounding area. Eight kennels for dogs were built as well as another two for quarantined dogs. These kennels have all the facilities including controlled air. An open space in front of kennels has been equipped to serve as a place where the necessary training for these dogs can be carried out. A parking area has also been built on a reservoir that will serve as water storage.

A complex was also built to serve as an administration block as well as the necessary offices with all facilities. As well a sub-station to distribute electricity to this new complex as well as the surrounding area.

© Government of Malta 2023