Once left to decay, the historic buildings of Manoel Island are being transformed through a remarkable restoration effort led by MIDI plc. With an initial €13 million investment, the company is ensuring the long-term preservation of structures that form an essential part of Malta's cultural legacy.
Over the past 20 years, a comprehensive programme of studies, planning, and conservation has been underway on Manoel Island, making it one of Malta's largest privately funded heritage restoration projects. At the heart of this initiative is the iconic Fort Manoel, which following the departure of the British was left in a state of neglect for many years and subsequently damaged by vandalism, pilferage and neglect. This magnificent Fort is today fully restored, and the public can enjoy the beauty of the meticulous restoration undertaken by MIDI.
New life was also breathed into Couvre Porte, the parade grounds and the Polversita. Renovation works on the Chapel of St Anthony of Padua are also complete, since it was partly destroyed following a direct hit during World War II. Works were also carried out on the counterscarps which form part of the outer fortifications of the Fort Manoel.
St George's funerary chapel has also been meticulously restored. During the restoration process, two fragmented but original tombstones which were found strewn inside the chapel and have been restored and mounted within. Interestingly, this ancient chapel formed part of the Lazzaretto quarantine hospital on Manoel Island, along with the recently restored cattle shed where livestock used to be kept in quarantine.
MIDI's revised masterplan also expands its heritage commitment to include other significant sites such as the Lazzaretto, the Customs House, the Admiralty Canteen, and the Rempec Building, a structure which was not officially scheduled for protection but recognised for its unique architectural value. This second phase of restoration of heritage buildings on Manoel Island will see an additional investment of €30 million.
Retaining, preserving and breathing new life into our heritage
The decision by MIDI to preserve and breathe new life into these heritage buildings, while seamlessly incorporating them in the new masterplan for Manoel Island, will now form part of a heritage trail which will link the whole of Manoel Island.
MIDI's vision is not only about preserving the past but also about integrating heritage into the future of Manoel Island. These historic structures will sit prominently within the public open spaces which together with the heritage buildings occupy more than 80% of MIDI's concession. The revised masterplan creates a living link across the island -one that honours Malta's rich history while offering a unique destination for future generations.
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