The 18th century battery in Mistra and a historic water fountain in Mellieħa are being restored through projects which are being largely funded through the Malta Environment and Planning Authority's Environment Initiative Partnership Programme.
The Mistra Coastal Military Battery is a Grade 1 scheduled structure which was initially built by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful in 1714, but was later rebuilt by Grand Master Manuel Pinto de Fonseca in 1761.
It served as a coastal watch post and other military purposes until the early 20th century, while in the 1990s, it was being used by a private company for fish farming purposes. In 2013, the structure was devolved to NGO Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna for its restoration and management.
Through the EIPP, however, MEPA is covering a substantial part of the costs pertaining to the restoration works, which include the removal of a 15cm concrete layer to re-expose the original extensive stone gun platform, the reconstruction of the gun merlons and part of the stone parapet wall and the re-excavation of the rear part of the defensive ditch. A bascule-type drawbridge will also be reinstated, while interior restoration works are to be carried out on the two blockhouses, which are set to host a museum display.
The authority is also funding restoration works being carried out by the Mellieħa local council on the water fountain which can be found off a narrow road beneath the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, for which Grade 2 scheduling is being proposed.
The water fountain used to serve as the main water source for farmers' horses and mules on the way to and from Gozo until 1912, when water was brought to Mellieħa. Mellieħa residents used the fountain to obtain drinking water and also took their washing there, and it was also used in the building of the Mellieħa parish church in the late 19th century.
The fountain, whose water source originates from the main gallery situated under George Borg Olivier Street, feeds the underground crypt of the sanctuary and then into the reservoir. The water finally emerges to supply the fountain, which consists of a long trough which is divided into three sections in its lower part together with two water spouts.
Restoration works include the laying of a concrete foundation to prevent leakages, the installation of a damp proof course, earth and masonry works, plumbing works to eliminate foul water retention, removal of overgrown vegetation, the installation of a pump and the dismantling and reconstruction of a number of rubble walls.
The EIPP aims to enhance and protect Malta's natural environment and cultural heritage using "planning gains" which are sought by MEPA as a means of environmental compensation when projects which negatively impact their surroundings are approved for development.