Ghajnsielem Local Council and Wirt Ghawdex are appealing against a permit to turn the old Mgarr pumping station into a cafeteria.

The Ghajnsielem Local Council will be joining and assisting Wirt Ghawdex in an appeal against permit (PA/07820/21) which was issued last Monday, the 19th of September, by the Planning Authority.

The application PA/07820/21 is for the “Rehabilitation of existing pumping station including change of use to a cafeteria (Class 4D) and offices (Class 4A). Application also includes construction of a lightweight structure to form mezzanine and other internal and external alterations.”In a joint statement on Saturday, both the Ghajnsielem Local Council and Wirt Ghawdex said that they “deplore the fact that such an iconic and historic structure in Mgarr Harbour and part of our national heritage is not being protected and instead is to be turned into a cafeteria.”

In particular, both entities insist that the remaining machinery and any structures related to this pumping station should be kept on site and preserved.The Ghajnsielem Local Council said that it has throughout the years tried several times to acquire the premises in order to turn the site into an exhibition centre or a small museum.

The Council added that it sadly notes that such a large government-owned entity (Water Services Corporation) “should have led by example and taken the opportunity to use such a building to showcase the old water distribution systems during the Knights and British era.”

“The Local Council would have been more than willing to take responsibility and apply for funding to restore such a building, as it did recently by restoring the old pumping station chimney which is situated around 100 metres away and built on top of a man-made shelter in order to protect the pumping-station machinery during the World War 2 air raids,” it said.Wirt Ghawdex maintained that any attempt at restoration should aim to preserve the original fabric in its entirety, and all structures should be preserved and kept on-site and within the original context of a pumping station.

The NGO argued that, “removing historic items from the site would diminish its value. The site would serve far better the purpose of a small, maritime-related museum, showcasing the historical use of the building and the maritime activity right at the heart of Mgarr harbour. The area is already well-served by numerous bars and restaurants.”

Wirt Ghawdex concluded by saying that, “managed properly, this place would have served to add much value to Gozo’s sustainable touristic product, while showcasing a part of our history. Instead, it seems that the authorities were choosing to continue to ruin our cultural heritage.”

The appeal will be submitted by lawyer Claire Bonello.

Photos Ghajnsielem Council and Wirt Ghawdex show the old pumping station in the early 1900s

Permalink: Ghajnsielem Council and Wirt Ghawdex appeal pumping station permit