Floriana central public library to be restored

Part of the former British Military Barracks in Floriana which for the past decades has housed the Central Public Library will undergo restoration works after the Planning Commission granted development permission, the Planning Authority said Monday.

By: independent.com.mt

Oct 14 2024
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Floriana central public librar

Located in the lower area of Belt is-Sebh, the buildings are situated adjacent to the military glacis, which is classified as a Grade 1 heritage site. This area is also designated as an Area of High Landscape Value due to its proximity to the Harbour Fortifications.

The restoration and renovation approved works include the facades and roofs of the British era buildings, the reconstruction of the roof and back facade rooms and the replacement of all apertures. Works will also be carried out on the re-organisation of uses which are ancillary to the main use of the library together with new ancillary uses, including the creation of an ancillary sitting area, reception and book shop, storage and offices.

The oldest part of the building is located centrally and formed part of a military complex by the British Colonial Authorities known as the Lintorn Barracks complex.

An extension to the East of the central building is thought to be built around 1980 with a further wing West built during the 1990s. The central building is a typical military building from the late colonial period.

It features large north facing arched apertures on the main façade, with pilasters and voussoirs articulated with rough-cut stone with faceted projections on the faces, the PA said.

The structure consists of franka masonry loadbearing walls roofed with a system of steel beams and stone slabs. The Authority is currently evaluating another development application on this same site for the proposed extension to the Floriana Central Public Library with the construction of a ground-floor library with a reading garden, a library café, a multi-purpose hall and common areas.