The Old Hospital in Mqabba has been restored and given a new lease of life, allowing this valuable piece of historical heritage to be used and enjoyed once again by residents and visitors alike, the government said Monday.
The project represented a total exenditure of €192,000. Of this amount, the Mqabba Local Council provided €112,000 from its own funds, while the remaining €80,000 was funded through the LESA Agency.
The building was inaugurated by the Minister for Local Government and Public Works, Alison Zerafa Civelli, alongside Mqabba Mayor Grace Marie Zerafa, following the completion of extensive restoration and regeneration works on the historic structure.
Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli stated that projects like this reflect the government's commitment to continuing investment in local communities and breathing new life into spaces that form a vital part of the area's history and identity. She noted that it serves as a clear example of how community investment can look to the future while respecting and preserving the past, adding that the government will continue working with local councils to revitalize spaces that hold value for residents and ensure heritage is preserved for present and future generations. The Minister also emphasized that support for local councils will persist in order to deliver projects that improve community environments, enhance public spaces, and boost residents' overall quality of life.
Mqabba Mayor Grace Marie Zerafa described the project as an important step forward for the local community, as a building that had been abandoned for years has now been revitalized and integrated back into the daily life of the locality. She highlighted that the Local Council will keep working to attract further investment and funding so that this historical asset can be fully utilized and enjoyed by the community while being safeguarded for future generations.
The Old Hospital holds significant historical importance in Mqabba. Built by the Knights of St John in the 18th century, it originally served as a hospital for plague cases and other contagious diseases. As a Grade 1 scheduled building, the restoration project focused heavily on preserving its original historical and architectural features.
Prior to the restoration, the building was in a state of neglect and suffered from severe structural issues, including major water damage. Extensive restoration efforts included replacing damaged stone joints using stone-friendly traditional mortars, replacing deteriorated timber beams, and restoring wooden elements throughout the structure.
Work on the roof addressed water infiltration issues, with original stone flagstones carefully taken up and relaid. Additionally, accessibility ramps were installed and specific doors were modified to ensure full wheelchair access.