During a press conference addressed by Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, it was announced that restoration works currently underway at the Auberge D’Anglaterre, are expected to be finalised by the end of November. These works, which originally started in May, are being carried out by the Restoration Directorate in collaboration with the Kottonera Foundation and Birgu Local Council.
“These restorations allow us to continue preserving our national history, a heritage that determines our identity as a people. It is our mission to make our heritage more accessible and to strengthen our local communities and restoration is a crucial aspect of our cultural plan,” stated Minister Owen Bonnici.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli commended the Birgu Local Council and the Kottonera Foundation for their dedication towards increasing the value of the three Cottonera cities by preserving their historical heritage.
The architect responsible for the works, Timothy Portelli, explained the works carried out in detail. The works consisted of the restoration of the masonry fabric and timber apertures of the façade of the Auberge d’Angleterre. The restoration works also included cleaning, replacing the existing stonework, replacing any defective mortars and applying damp proofing at the roof level in place of deteriorated cement coatings.
Upon their arrival in Malta, the Knights of St John settled in Birgu and built seven auberges, including the Auberge D’Angalterre. This building was included in the Antiquities List of 1925 and is scheduled as a Grade 1 building. Nowadays, the auberge houses the Birgu Health Centre.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister