Restoration works have commenced on the Marsa Tram Power Station which will result in a creative and cultural space for use by the Marsa Local Council, the Ministry for National Heritage announced on Thursday.

Minister for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici, explained that through an investment of €1 million, the government will restore the Marsa Tram Power Station to serve as an architectural monument and a memorial to the industrial legacy of Marsa and the country.

"This space, which is currently unused, is being given back to the Marsa community and the Maltese people not only as a museum that exhibits the history of the Maltese tram but also as an artistic and cultural centre. This is another example of how, through the arts, new public spaces are created that are given to the public for everyone to enjoy, including the creative sector", Bonnici said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Governance, Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that whilst the people of Marsa will have a historic place restored, the site will also be used for recreational activities so that cultural and artistic activities can be put up. She added that by the government's investment, the place will take on a new life.

"As a government, we will continue supporting Local Councils so that they will have centres like these in their localities and so, not only will the respective community benefit but the Maltese people too", Zerafa Civelli said. 

The Marsa Mayor, Josef Azzopardi, said that thanks to this restoration, the tram station building will be saved.

The ministry said that the restoration works will include the reconstruction of the boiler house and the roof of the engine room based on original plans. Furthermore, the walls, windows and doors, amongst others, will also be restored, it said.