Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 11 THE TRANSFORMATION OF FARSONS' HISTORIC BREWERY T he journey of transforming a historic building is often as significant as the structure itself. In the case of Farsons' iconic Brewhouse, this transformation was not merely about renovation but a profound act of preservation, innovation, and honouring a legacy that dates back to the post- war era. Recently, this iconic Grade 2 historic site underwent a remarkable transformation, blending the old with the new in a project that has garnered significant attention in the world of architecture and design. In an in-depth interview, Michael Farrugia, Deputy CEO at Farsons plc and a key figure in this ambitious project, sheds light on the inspiration, challenges, and achievements that defined this monumental journey. The Vision Behind the Transformation The idea of transforming the old brewery was not a sudden inspiration, but a concept rooted in the history of the Farrugia family and their long-standing relationship with the brewery and building. Michael Farrugia's grandfather, an architect and entrepreneur, founded Farsons in 1928 and was the mastermind behind the original brewery in Hamrun, and later, the old brewery in Imrieħel, which opened its doors in 1950. This building, a masterpiece of post-war architecture, served as the beating heart of Farsons for over six decades, producing all of the company's beer until operations moved to a more modern facility in 2012. Michael Farrugia recalls that the vision for the historic brewery transformation dates back decades. It was his father's idea, Louis Farrugia, the Farsons Group's Chairman, to do something special with the building in Imriehel once production moved to a new facility. "My father, whose father built the original brewery in 1950, always had the idea to develop a new brewery south of the original because the old brewery was becoming outdated for modern production practices," Farrugia explains. The question then arose: what should be done with the old brewery? It was not just any building; it was a Grade 2 listed structure, an integral part of Farsons' history and brands, and a symbol of Malta's industrial heritage. The initial idea was clear – something special had to be done to preserve and repurpose the building. However, what that "something special" would be was not immediately obvious. For the Farrugia family, this was not just any building; it was a piece of their legacy. "It was conceived and designed by my grandfather and was no doubt his great piece of work," Farrugia notes. The idea to preserve and transform it into a modern space while maintaining its historical significance was not just a business decision but a deeply personal one. Michael Farrugia, Deputy CEO at Farsons plc T h e t r a n s f o r m a t i o n o f F a r s o n s ' h i s t o r i c B r e w h o u s e i n M a l t a b l e n d s p r e s e r v a t i o n a n d i n n o v a t i o n , t u r n i n g a G r a d e 2 l i s t e d b r e w e r y i n t o a v i b r a n t , m u l t i f u n c t i o n a l s p a c e t h a t h o n o u r s i t s l e g a c y w h i l e e m b r a c i n g m o d e r n i t y .

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