Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546283
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 AUGUST 2026 NEWS Exclusive discounts for Mapfre Clients! App Scan Scan Scan the QR Code the QR Code the QR Code & & & download download download the app now! the app now! the app now! Scan the QR Code & download the app now! Gzira pumping station set to host local council, garden THE historic Gżira pumping sta- tion is set for a major regenera- tion that will preserve its Grade 1 scheduled buildings while open- ing up much of the site as a public garden. A new planning application has been submitted alongside a tech- nical tender issued by the Water Services Corporation (WSC), which operates the sewage pump- ing station and is acting as the contracting authority. The project proposes the reha- bilitation of the formal garden areas and conversion of the sur- rounding external areas into a public garden. The main building will undergo extensive restora- tion, with parts converted into offices for Gżira local council and multi-purpose spaces to be shared by the council and WSC. A play area, a cafeteria and public toilet facilities are proposed along Triq Luqa Briffa, where a secondary entrance is being proposed. The pavement along the street will also be reconstructed. The main access will be from Rue D' Argens. The plans also include an under- ground reservoir, alterations and structural consolidation of the boundary walls on all four sides of the site, and restoration of the existing reinforced-concrete wa- ter tank. A previous planning application for the site, which also proposed restoration of the pumping sta- tion complex, a public garden and an underground reservoir, has since been withdrawn. The pumping station dates back to the late 19th century and was built as part of Malta's early sewerage infrastructure. Its dis- tinctive neo-gothic architecture makes it an important historic landmark. The sewage pumping station will remain fully operational throughout construction. Its fa- cilities will be upgraded through a new operations building, sub- station and telemetry-operated motor control centre. The historic water tower will be restored and incorporated into a new water feature. The tender also imposes green procurement requirements. At least 55% by weight of non-haz- ardous demolition and strip-out waste must be prepared for reuse, recycling or recovery. Landscaping soil must be free of peat and sewage sludge, while rainwater from roofs will be col- lected in the reservoir and reused for irrigation through program- mable controls and soil moisture sensors. Mature trees earmarked for preservation will have to be pro- tected from construction activity, including root compaction. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The historic Gzira pumping station is set for a major regeneration that will preserve its Grade 1 scheduled buildings while opening up much of the site as a public garden