Second phase of St Nicholas’ Bastion restoration works begins, works to cost €650,000
Restoration work on the second part of St Nicholas' Bastion facade has started, the Ministry for National Heritage said on Saturday. This bastion forms part of the Cottonera Lines, and the first phase of this restoration was completed some months ago.
The works on this second phase are expected to be completed by the end of the year and are being carried out with an investment of €650,000, the Ministry said. It added that through this project, over 4,500 square metres of the ramparts will be restored. The work is being carried out by the Restoration and Preservation Department within the Ministry.
The Ministry said that the scaffolding has already been erected on the second part of the bastion's front, including the part of the bastion which is located on the Polverista Tunnel, where the road that connects Bormla to Fgura passes. The Ministry continued that the restoration of the first half of the bastion also involved the back walls, with one of them having been in a dangerous state and having had to be dismantled and rebuilt, though the Ministry said that much of the same original stone was used.
During a visit to the site, National Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici said that this restoration is a clear example of the government's commitment to the preservation of the country's historical heritage. He added that the Cottonera Lines are an important part of Malta's national identity, and that their restoration strengthens the historical value of the area and contributes to future generations. He also thanked the workers of the department for their hard work so that these works can be completed as soon as possible.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli spoke about the area's historical importance, and said that the government is committed to continuing to "give voice and strength" to the Local Councils, "because they know best the localities that they represent". She continued that the government will continue to take care of Maltese cultural heritage so that future generations can enjoy the country's rich history.
The Ministry said that currently, the walls are being cleaned of accumulated dirt and dust, while the stones that have lost their original shape or that may cause structural problems are being changed. It continued that the front windows of the bastion are being fitted with galvanised iron gratings in order to prevent the entry of pigeons and their droppings.
The Cottonera ramparts were designed by Antonio Maurizio Valperga during the time of the Order of the Knights of St. John, the Ministry added.
Bormla Mayor Marco Agius and Kottonera Foundation Chairman Joe Mizzi were also present during the visit.