As a result of the restoration work being undertaken by Valletta Waterfront, the true history of the building that used to house the old power station is in the process of being discovered.

In fact, the building that, from 1896, housed Malta’s first power plant has a history that dates back to the second half of the 17th century.

In the coming months the site will be completely restored and redeveloped to become an integral part of the Valletta Waterfront project.

Those attending the Amedeo Minghi concert will be able to get a first glimpse of the inside of the impressive 800 square metre hall located inside the building. But few will be able to read the signs of the building’s development over the centuries.

The original building was erected at the time of the construction of the Floriana fortifications. Initially used as grain stores, the buildings at the foot of Crucifix Hill went on to house a lime-kiln and lime store, a water cistern and a vast oil vat which used to store oil for street-lighting.

This use began to decline with the introduction of gas street-lighting in the harbour area in 1857. Following more alterations to the structure in 1894 and 1895, the building became the home of Malta’s first electricity generating unit, a role it maintained until 1960.

Although left abandoned over the second part of the 20th century, Valletta Waterfront is now in the process of restoring the building. Several proposals have been submitted to VISET, the operators of the Waterfront, regarding the possible use of the building, once the work is complete. Located close to the Forni Terminal and the various outlets which line the laguna, the redeveloped Power Station building will, in the near future, be further enhancing the revitalisation of the harbour area.