Old Floriana power station to be restored for cruise liner terminal

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) board approved planning permission for the restoration of the old power station which is located beneath Crucifix Hill in Floriana and today forms part of the Valletta Waterfront site.

The restored building, which is adjacent to the cruise liner passenger terminal facility, will accommodate a baggage check-in facility, office space and retail facilities.

The old building is an amalgamation of a number of multi-period buildings, which included a late 17th century arsenal and lime kiln, 18th century oil vats and grain stores, and the power station which was last extended and repaired following war damage. Recent works have also exposed a battery wall to the immediate west of the site.

The restoration works will ensure that all surviving features and existing fabric will be preserved and remain as a testament of the architectural evolution of the site. To establish symmetry, the missing clock tower will be reconstructed.

All existing timer apertures which have been blocked up will be restored and reopened.

The project will also include an external staircase which will provide easier pedestrian access for the public. This new access will facilitate the link between the Cruise liner terminal facility and Valletta.

The external staircase at the Waterfront will be directly linked to the roof top of the restored Power Station which in turn will provide access midway onto Crucifix Hill, just opposite Boffa Hospital. The entire pedestrian passageway will be accessible to all.