Architecture & Design

6 | Architecture & Design The community of Attard will soon benefit from a new cultural and educational centre, which is being built on the original footprint and recalling past proportions of the former railway station at Ġnien L-Istazzjon in Attard. This centre, which is being financed by the Planning Authority (PA) and the European Regional and Development Fund, will not only enhance the visitors' experience to this public open space but will serve as a reminder of the Malta railway line, part of which still exists close to this garden. The Educational Centre for which the PA will be financing close to €200,000 through its Development Planning Fund (DPF) will include a library, reading area and public convenience facilities. The building will be finished in fair-faced limestone and white ender, with timber and aluminium glazed apertures. A wrought iron canopy will be installed in front of the building to recall the late nineteenth century station building which served to provide shelter to waiting passengers over the front part of the platform. Ġnien l-Istazzjon was the principal train station for Attard village forming part of the Malta Railway system (Il-Vapur ta' l-Art) which operated between 1883 and 1931. The station building was reportedly destroyed during the Second World War. Mr Oliver Magro Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority said "this project will not only enhance the public open space of Gnien l-Istazzjon but will resourceful serve to help us recall our past heritage and link it with our future." Mr Magro added that "the Authority supported this project holistically. Back in 2020, the PA contributed over €145,000 to partially fund the restoration and conservation of the almost 400metres Attard embankment structure which is a substantial survivor of the Malta railway line. Besides the remaining former railway stations and tunnels, this engineered structure, is no doubt, the most important surviving architecture associated with Malta's transportation heritage." Mr Magro commended the vision and work of the Attard local council that is responsible for the implementation of this project. The Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this project can be considered another example of how funds from PA FUNDS NEW EDUCATIONAL CENTRE ON FOOTPRINT OF FORMER ATTARD RAILWAY STATION T h e P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y a n d t h e E u r o p e a n R e g i o n a l a n d D e v e l o p m e n t F u n d w i l l b e f i n a n c i n g t h e n e w E d u c a t i o n C e n t r e , w h i c h w i l l i n c l u d e a l i b r a r y , r e a d i n g a r e a a n d p u b l i c c o n v e n i e n c e f a c i l i t i e s .

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