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, which from 1896 housed Malta’s first power plant, has a history dating 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 who attended the Amedeo Minghi concert last evening were 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 limekiln and lime store, a water cistern and a vast oil vat, which was 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 for the second half of the 20th century, the building is now in the process of being restored by Valletta Waterfront. Several proposals have been submitted to VISET, the operators of the Waterfront, regarding the possible use of the building, once the restoration work is complete.

Located close to the Forni Terminal and the various outlets that line the laguna, the redeveloped power station building will, in the near future, be further enhancing the revitalisation of the harbour area.