The currently disused British Building in Dock 1, which had formed part of the former Malta Drydocks in Cospicua, will be restored and converted into an educational institution to house part of the American University of Malta, following the approval of planning permission today by the Planning Board.

The Planning Authority said that besides the full restoration of the external building, which permission had already been granted in May 2014, the approved project within a site deemed to have industrial heritage significance, will see the conversion of the ground floor into class rooms, a cafeteria, common areas and studios and the integration of the existing dock's pump room mechanism.

An intermediate level will also be introduced, together with the construction of new second floor level to be used as classrooms, offices and ancillary facilities. The majority of the additional new floor will be constructed in a contemporary design using glass and steel and will not exceed the height of the original structure.

Part of the floor will be rebuilt with the intention to reconstruct missing volumes from the original building. A two-storey portico will also be constructed in front of the reception hall area.

The Authority said that while the existing gantry cranes will be dismantled from Hall 1, on the advice of the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, this feature is to be relocated to an alternative site. The gantry cranes did not form part of the original Scamp's design.

A smaller building on the southern part of the site adjacent to the British building, which recently had been granted development permission to be converted into a police station, will also be restored and used as part of the university, said the PA.

The British building, located in a highly prominent area and which covers a footprint of around 1850 square metres has an external elevation overlooking the waterfront and is characterised with a series of 24 arched doorways at ground floor level.

The second floor extends over approximately two thirds of the building and is characterised with large moulded apertures centrally aligned with the ground floor vaulted doors.

The Board also imposed a planning gain of €50,000 to be used for improvements in the locality.

Artist's impression of the new campus

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