Application for restoration works on Selmun Palace filed

Selmun Palace is to receive a facelift according to a planning application that was filed.

The application was filed by Selmun Palace Hotel Co Ltd, a company owned by the government, proposing the restoration of facades including the courtyard, roof structures and bellcote, the removal of cement tiles from the roof and the installation of new roof screed, including a new rainwater catchment system and the installation of external lighting.

Selmun Palace was built in the 18th centry by a charity known as the Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi and it had mainly served as relaxation grounds for the Knights of the Order of St John. It was later used as a naval hospital by the British when Malta rebelled against the French.

Despite its history, this villa has not received much attention other than being amalgamated into a hotel that was built adjacent to it by Selmun Palace hotel Company Ltd; a branch of Air Malta which held custody of the villa.

But in 2011 plans were dropped because of the restructuring strategy for the airline at the time.

Later the Planning Authority ( which was still the Malta Environment and Planning Authority back then) scheduled the villa as a Grade 1 national monument, but it did not receive any attention, despite promises by the government over the years. It was left in a state of abandonment.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Robert Abela had hinted at regeneration projects hand- in- hand with the private sector, in certain areas like Selmun Palace in Mellieha.