MIDI’s restoration of The Garden Battery located at Tigné Point in Sliema was recently recognized for its outstanding restoration works during the 14th edition of the Architectural Heritage Awards, organized by local culture and heritage NGO, Din l-Art Helwa.
MIDI was awarded a Diploma for outstanding contribution to Maltese cultural heritage and to the achievement of architectural excellence in Malta by the admirable restoration and conservation of the Garden Battery.
Held in collaboration with the Kamra tal Periti, these awards aim to celebrate architectural excellence within a Maltese context, encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of old buildings and recognize the dedicated work of those who are active in the field of restoration.
“MIDI is delighted to receive such an accolade particularly when bearing in mind that this restoration process was not without its challenges given the various site constraints and ongoing development of the entire project,” said MIDI’s Senior Project Manager, Perit Ivan Piccino. “It meant going back to the drawing board to ensure that this British military heritage was not only preserved but also integrated seamlessly into the project. “
This early 19th century artillery, was built during the British period between 1889 and 1894, as part of a line of defense for Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour. While it was put to good use right up the early 20th Century, playing a pivotal role during WWII, it was completely neglected and abandoned following the war, and once the British left Malta permanently. It was rediscovered by MIDI plc in the early 2000s when works on the Tigné Point project began. While the original plans did not include the Garden Battery, MIDI took the decision to retain, preserve and breathe new life into the battery while seamlessly incorporating it into the plans for the Tigné Point development. This decision was not without its challenges as it necessitated a redesign of the already approved plans while adding unforeseen costs. It proved to be the right decision however and today this fortification has been integrated seamlessly with the development and will now form part of a heritage trail which will link Fort Cambridge to Fort Tigné connecting to an uninterrupted pedestrian promenade around the Tigné Point peninsula, from Qui-Si-Sana to Tigné Seafront.
Photo caption:
Perit Ivan Piccino (second from left) together with the recipients for the other awards receives the diploma on behalf of MIDI plc.
