The restoration project of the three facades of St Margaret’s Convent in Cospicua has begun and will also include the main facade of the church. The project, with an investment of €335,000, is expected to be completed by the end of July 2025, the Ministry for National Heritage stated.
National Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici said that this restoration project is an important step in protecting and preserving Malta’s historical heritage for future generations. He continued that St Margaret’s Convent has a long history, dating back to 1726, and that it has served as an important space for the religious community over the years.
Bonnici said that this restoration project is an investment in the conservation of Malta’s history. He added that such a building not only has architectural value, but also cultural and spiritual value, which tells an important chapter from the past. “Works like this help to strengthen the historical identity of our country and create a more beautiful environment for Cottonera,” he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that through this restoration, Malta’s localities are maintaining and preserving their value, not only for it to be enjoyed now, but also so that such cultural heritage continues to be appreciated from generation to generation. The Parliamentary Secretary also spoke of the Cottonera Foundation’s involvement on this project.
The ministry stated that all works, from the stage of site documentation to the submission of the application for permission with the Planning Authority and the issuance and award of the tender contract, were carried out by the Restoration and Conservation Department. It continued that the restoration works on site are being carried out by a private contractor who submitted the winning bid and will be carried out under the direction and supervision of the Restoration and Conservation Department.
The architect in charge of the works, Roberta Mallia, said that the interventions being carried out include cleaning the facades from biological growth, black crust and other superficial deposits, removing coatings, as well as removing fragile stones. She added that repairs and replacements of deteriorated stones are being carried out, as well as reinforcement and structural consolidation of damaged stone elements. She also said that restoration of the wooden and metal apertures will be carried out.