📋 Tender Overview
Science Malta, in collaboration with Infrastructure Malta, has launched consolidation works on the Bighi Peninsula to address the instability of the bedrock beneath the Esplora, the Science Centre and the Science Malta offices. The project will focus on stabilising the near-vertical limestone cliffs that support the foundations of these buildings and the surrounding landscape areas.??
The limestone at the site has softened, resulting in masses of broken rock that pose risks to the structures above. Consolidation work is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the site, while ensuring long-term stability for both the building and the environment.
The area has been closed for safety during the works. A steel gate and hoarding have also been installed. This project, led by Science Malta and its collaborators, will improve the safety and preservation of the Bighi Peninsula which is a historical and environmental heritage site, while ensuring its long-term sustainability for the benefit of the Centre's visitors and the community.
The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, spoke about the importance of this site both in the rich history of our country and also for the educational sector. "We must be the ones, the generation of today, to preserve what is ours, for future generations, as we will also do with this project. Therefore, I am eager that once this project is completed, I will see school children come here and see, touch and taste this part of our country's rich history," said Minister Clifton Grima.
The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, stated that these works "are of national importance, not only because they represent the collaborative effort of various entities, but it is also clear evidence of the Government's commitment to protecting the safety of our people, our historical heritage, and our environment for future generations."
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, spoke about the importance of the project and the protection of the site. “This project ensures that we preserve not only a piece of our historical and architectural heritage, but also an essential part of our country's history for future generations," said Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti.
For his part, the Mayor of Kalkara, Wayne Aquilina, said: "I welcome the announcement of this restoration project which, once completed, will join a series of infrastructural works that have already been carried out in Kalkara, including the restoration carried out on the first part of the road leading to Bighi, which was completed in 2021 and is being enjoyed by many today. The Bighi Peninsula is a historic and beautiful area in our village that I look forward to continuing to preserve to further beautify our locality."
The Secretary of the Wirt il-Kalkara Association, Duncan Brincat, said: "The Wirt il-Kalkara Association welcomes with satisfaction and gratitude this important project through which the rest of the entire fortification surrounding the coast of the Bighi complex will be restored. Initiatives such as these continue to protect the historical heritage of Kalkara which is in itself a national one. We look forward to seeing it completed, while we continue to stress the need to simultaneously restore the historic baths located around the same coast."
Present for this press conference were Silvio Scerri, Chief Executive of Science Malta, Steve Ellul, Chief Executive of Infrastructure Malta, and Architect Janice Borg.
