EU funds dedicated to revive Malta’s railway heritage

● ‘Birchircara railway station’ to be converted into a museum

The Birkirkara Local Council has successfully applied for EU funds to renovate the original Birchircara railway station and convert it into a museum dedicated to Malta’s railway history.

The project, being carried out in collaboration with the Malta Railway Foundation, is currently in its full implementation phase and the museum is expected to open to the public towards the end of this year.

The Birchircara railway station building is currently undergoing the necessary interventions to serve its new function, including structural repairs, finishing works, installation of mechanical and electrical services and restoration of timber apertures.

The sanitary facilities will be upgraded and an external panoramic lift will be installed to ensure accessibility to all.

The museum will be set up as the centre point where original relics of the old Malta Railway will be displayed. Additionally, the use of audio-visual systems will enhance the visitors’ experience through interactive dissemination of information.

With an investment of over €670,000 the project also includes complementary interventions for the conservation and refurbishment of the Hamrun Railway Station, which will be carried out in partnership with the Hamrun Local Council led by the Hamrun Mayor Christian Sammut, thus enhancing the heritage trail of the railway era.

The whole project is being co-financed by the European Union and the Government of Malta under ‘Operational Programme I - European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 Programme, European Regional Development Fund’, through the Parliamentary Secretariat for European Funds and Social Dialogue, and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and Communities.

Birkirkara Mayor Joanne Debono Grech, satisfied with this development, remarked: “The Birchircara Old Railway Station and its garden are held dear to the heart of all Birkirkara residents. It is indeed an honour for me and my colleagues to be part of this project to establish a railway museum that will preserve our cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism in our locality.”