Gnien l-Gharusa which is a large recreational area in Mosta will undergo extensive upgrading works after the Planning Commission gave its consent for the project to go ahead, the Planning Authority said in a statement. The garden located in Triq Misrah Ghonoq abuts part of the Victoria Lines and the former WW2 Civil Defense Headquarters with its underground shelters – all structures are scheduled as Grade 1 buildings.
Valuable restoration works will be carried out on those parts of the Victoria Lines which run through the garden’s perimeter and are damaged. Fortunately, in places where the walls have collapsed, the original material is still found on site. Some other areas are distorted from non- matching stones built with a different technique to the original style. Here, the wall will need to be rebuilt using the same materials, size of masonry and techniques as in the original parts of the Victoria Lines. This will ensure that the uniformity of the Lines is respected. Graffiti sprayed on the outer facade of the fortifications will also be removed.
The works in the 23,700m² garden will also include the rehabilitation of the existing passageway and the installation of new benches and lighting. A gazebo and a children’s play area will also be introduced. To ensure the safety to visitors, an existing reservoir will be covered and timber railing will be installed the westside of the garden overlooking the road.