The Planning Authority has issued an Emergency Conservation Order on the former Pipe Factory in Marsa, immediately prohibiting demolition, excavation, alterations or development works at the heritage-at-risk site unless authorised by the Authority in consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
In a statement on Friday, the Planning Authority said the Emergency Conservation Order (ECO) was issued to safeguard the former industrial landmark in Garrick Street for its historical, architectural and contextual significance and prevent its potential loss through neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Published in the Government Gazette under Article 58 of the Development Planning Act 2016, the Order provides immediate protection to the site while the Authority considers scheduling it as a protected property in terms of Article 57 of the Act, the statement said.
The former Pipe Factory has been identified as a "heritage at risk" site, a designation applied to properties whose cultural heritage value may be threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance or unsuitable interventions.
The Planning Authority said it had concluded that the loss, or partial loss, of the site would result in the irreversible loss of an important element of Malta's cultural heritage.
Through the Emergency Conservation Order, the site is to be considered a Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 Scheduled Property, reflecting the varying heritage significance of its constituent elements.
The Order introduces a number of protective measures aimed at preserving the integrity of the site pending further assessment, the statement said.
These measures prohibit damage, excavation, demolition, development, dumping, movement of earth, removal of stone and unauthorised alterations within or in the vicinity of the site.
Any proposed works or interventions, including those affecting internal finishes and equipment, require prior approval from the Planning Authority in consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
The Order also stipulates that any works undertaken on the property must be monitored by the Planning Authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage at the owner's expense.
Responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the site remains with the owners through a continuous maintenance programme, the statement said.
The Emergency Conservation Order will remain in force for 12 months from the date of publication.
During this period, all conservation and restoration works must adhere to recognised standards and principles established by Council of Europe and UNESCO conventions, charters and protocols to which Malta is a signatory.
The Planning Authority said any breach of the Order may result in enforcement action and penalties in accordance with the provisions of the Development Planning Act 2016.
The Authority said it remains committed to protecting Malta's cultural heritage and ensuring that sites of significant historical and architectural importance are preserved for present and future generations.