The restoration project of the three facades of the Convent of Santa Margerita has begun and will also include the main facade of the church and the convent. With an investment of €335,000, this project is expected to be completed by the end of July 2025.
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, during his visit to the site, said: “This restoration project is an important step in protecting and preserving our historical heritage for future generations. The Convent of Santa Margerita has a long history dating back to 1726, and over the years has served as an important space for the religious community.”
“This restoration is an investment in the conservation of our history. A building like this not only has architectural value, but also cultural and spiritual value that tells an important chapter from our past. Works like these help to strengthen the historical identity of our country and create a more beautiful environment for Cottonera,” stated the minister.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli praised the work being carried out on this project by the Directorate for Restoration and Preservation and the Cottonera Foundation. “Through this restoration our localities are maintaining and preserving their value, not only for it to be enjoyed now, but also so that this cultural heritage continues to be appreciated from generation to generation,” stated the parliamentary secretary.
All works, from the site documentation stage to the submission of the permit application with the Planning Authority and the issuance and award of the tender contract, have been carried out by the Department of Restoration and Conservation. 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 Department of Restoration and Conservation.
The Architect in charge of the works, Roberta Mallia, explained that the interventions being carried out include cleaning the facades from biological growth, black scale and other superficial deposits, removing coatings, as well as removing fragile stones. In addition, repairs and/or replacements of deteriorated stones are being carried out, reinforcement and structural consolidation of damaged stone elements. As well as restoration of wooden and metal apertures.
Present for this visit were the Chairperson of the Cottonera Foundation Joe Mizzi and the Mayor of Cospicua Marco Agius, and members of the Cospicua Local Council.
Link to video:
https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/5f8e51aa-0ce8-46ed-923d-4788712b8797
