Here’s How The New Mellieha School Will Look Like

Apr 3 2025

The Mellieħa Primary School, part of Maria Regina College, was originally built in the 1940s to serve a small village. Over time, the locality expanded, increasing the need for a larger school.

This project involves demolishing the current school and constructing a new one to accommodate 600 students. The new building will be located on the existing site and an adjacent plot.

Given the area’s archaeological significance—due to underground shelters and military-related rock-cut features—demolition and excavation will be minimal and supervised by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

The project’s first phase includes excavating the adjacent site, followed by demolishing the old school and constructing the new one.

The four-story school will house 36 primary and 22 kindergarten classrooms.

Designed as a community hub, it will include a childcare centre, library, multipurpose hall (theatre/gym), rooftop garden, and parking for 204 cars. Separate entrances will allow community access after school hours.

The school will also integrate renewable energy for near-carbon neutrality. Estimated cost: €20 million.

Until completion, students will attend a temporary school in Selmun Family Park, using 36 prefabricated classrooms, each 45 sqm, with air conditioning, alarms, and double-glazed windows. Outdoor recreational areas will be preserved for public use.

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Malta Unveils €20 Million NET ZERO Campus In Żejtun: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

Apr 3 2025

Today, the official inauguration of Malta’s new Net Zero Campus took place in Zejtun, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. The €20 million investment aims to set a new benchmark in environmentally conscious, digitally enabled workspaces.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Dr. Miriam Dalli, emphasised the importance of public-private collaborations in driving Malta’s sustainable future. She stated, “Government’s commitment to sustainability is not just about reducing emissions, it’s about investing in our future.” Dr. Dalli highlighted that initiatives like the Net Zero Campus exemplify how private sector innovation and public policy can harmoniously create a cleaner, more prosperous Malta for future generations.

The development of the Net Zero Campus aligns with Malta’s broader strategy for sustainable development. The government is actively working to establish a regulatory framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs), aiming to tailor these collaborations to Malta’s unique needs. Studies on international and European models are being conducted to identify best practices and innovative approaches that drive projects benefiting the Maltese economy and society, ensuring principles of accountability, good governance, transparency, and effectiveness are upheld.

This initiative also supports Malta’s Vision 2050, a long-term strategy focused on building a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive economy. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri noted that PPPs are crucial in achieving these targets, serving as transformative tools that benefit society.

The inauguration of the Net Zero Campus in Zejtun underscores Malta’s dedication to fostering a green, digital future where no one is left behind. Through strategic public-private collaborations, the nation is paving the way for sustainable growth and technological advancement.

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Mellieħa Primary School To Be Demolished & Rebuilt

Apr 3 2025

The construction of a new primary school in Mellieħa has been announced.

The current school, built in the 1940s, no longer meets the needs of the growing community. Plans are now in motion to demolish the existing building and replace it with a modern facility accommodating 600 students.

While the project is seen as a significant investment, concerns have arisen over the temporary relocation of students. Mellieħa Mayor Gabriel Micallef supports the new school but stresses the importance of community involvement in decision-making.

He confirmed that the Mellieħa Local Council was informed in September 2023 that construction would begin in 2025. The council pushed for community-friendly features, including accessible parking, public-use halls, and sports facilities.

However, the choice of Selmun Family Park as a temporary school site has been contentious. Micallef revealed that alternative locations, such as areas near Selmun Chapel and Selmun Palace, were proposed but dismissed due to infrastructure challenges.

Despite calls for reconsideration, the government confirmed that prefabricated classrooms would be placed in Selmun Park. Micallef emphasized that certain public amenities, including a running track and green spaces, would remain accessible.

Opposition MP Robert Cutajar, however, has raised concerns about transparency. In a series of parliamentary questions, he demanded clear answers from the Education Minister on the final school plans, consultation meetings with stakeholders, and site selection criteria for the temporary classrooms.

He also questioned the number of students affected, the cost of leasing prefabricated units, and whether alternative sites were properly assessed.

Cutajar criticised the lack of public information, calling for full disclosure of permits, safety studies, and projected student population growth over the next decade.

With construction expected to last three years, the debate highlights tensions between progress and community concerns.

While the new school promises long-term benefits, questions remain over its implementation. The coming weeks will likely bring further scrutiny as residents and officials push for clarity.

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Castille’s Cannons Get Some Much Needed Care

Apr 3 2025

‘Even cannons need some care’, wrote Heritage Malta.

A delicate operation as undertaken in the early hours of Thursday morning to remove the two cannons outside the Auberge de Castille.

Along with their carriages, the cannons made their way towards Heritage Malta’s workshops in Bighi.

There, they will be given some much needed attention before facing the elements – as well as people’s handprints – again.

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