This was announced by Farsons Group Chairman Mr Louis A. Farrugia when he addressed shareholders after the company’s AGM held on Wednesday, 18 June 2014. In line with previous company statements on the preparation of a masterplan for the development of the Farsons Business Park, the Board appointed Ian Ritchie Architects, a British firm of architects of international repute, to lead the masterplan team.

Over the past 3 months, a visionary masterplan for the façade building and land has been prepared by Architect Ian Ritchie (pictured above) and his team, with support from Malta based engineers TBA Periti, as well as a host of specialists covering building sustainability, landscape, lighting and visitor experience design.

Mr Farrugia said: “We have been working on this vision to find new uses for our iconic buildings for many years. Although it is ambitious, we feel confident that the time is right for a quality development of this magnitude to happen. Our Business Park will help transform the area and contribute to Malta’s economy by providing quality space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable. We now need to secure all the necessary approvals and funding for this project to become a reality.”

Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd has a reputation for the unexpected, sustainable design, innovation and has undertaken research and development for major international companies. Major architectural and engineering works include the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art in Madrid, the Leipzig Messe Glass Hall, the Louvre Sculpture Courts and Pyramids, La Villette Cité des Sciences, the Jubilee Line Extension and International Regatta Centre in London, The Spire in Dublin and the Royal Shakespeare Company Courtyard Theatre.

He is a Royal Academician, member of the Akademie der Künste, the Honorary Visiting Professor at Liverpool University, and Emeritus Commissioner Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment (CABE).  He is a Fellow of the Society of Façade Engineering.

Ian Ritchie said: “The Farsons project represents a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of regenerating Mrieħel, while making use of exceptional industrial heritage structures and placing their transformation into a very high quality development. Building upon Malta’s heritage, the design concept embraces environmentally sensitive and sustainable business pavilions set in a series of courtyard gardens, and will raise the standard of office design in Malta. Farsons have acted as both pioneers and guardians of Malta’s industrial heritage and their significant investment in the architectural and landscape thinking behind this ambitious project should certainly enhance Malta’s burgeoning reputation as a centre for international business.

 A profound respect for the industrial heritage of Farsons’ valuable assets is at the heart of the vision, while the thinking behind the proposed masterplan seeks to capture the essence of Malta through a series of courtyard gardens, providing a unique, tranquil and inspiring place to work and visit. The project – considered as a first of its kind in Malta – will set new spatial, environmental and technical standards for “green” buildings in Malta. Energy efficient performance and building sustainability are central to the new office design which will meet the future demands of exceptional quality work environments for Maltese and international companies.

The Brewery façade will be sensitively restored and pioneer the showcasing of Malta’s industrial heritage. Once completed, the project will include around 50,000m² of commercial space anchored by Grade A offices, together with complementary retail, leisure, cultural and social facilities. This will bring abouta new chapter in the future transformation of the industrial area of Mrieħel.

The Old Brewhouse itself will be transformed into a vibrant leisure entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, event spaces and a dynamic brewery visitor experience which celebrates the past, present and future of Farsons and its brands. The latest brewing and packaging processes and latest innovations will be showcased while providing a new generation of innovative workspace solutions for creative and emerging business enterprises.

Before proceeding on to the detailed design phases of the finalised project, the Board will be considering the way forward to secure the necessary MEPA, Transport Malta and other regulatory approvals.

The Board will also be engaging with financial service providers on the best way to structure and fund the project, as well as with other potential stakeholders, such as developers in the Mrieħel area and Government agencies which own substantial areas of land in the vicinity.