The restoration aspect of Manoel Island and Tigné Point

The objectives in the development brief are clear, and since the inception of the Manoel Island and Tigné Point project, it was understood that the restoration of the numerous historic sites on the Tigné Point peninsula and on the 'Isolotto' in Marsamxett Harbour were to become the focal point of this project.

The range of buildings and fortifications to be restored vary from 18th century fortifications, including Fort Manoel and Fort Tigné, to the remaining structures of the former Quarantine establishment, occupying the whole south-western corner of Manoel Island, to British military structures and coastal military positions that characterise this side of Marsamxett Harbour.

These icons of Maltese history had fallen into misuse and disrepair. Nonetheless, their restoration is important as this 'presence of the past', within the new context of the Manoel Island and Tigné Point project, will give society a sense of belonging, defining its identity and providing depth and character for the working and living environment.

The primary objective of any restoration intervention is to make the historic buildings structurally stable. This invariably involves the repair, and a degree of replacement, of severely deteriorated stone elements, which might compromise the structural stability of the monument.

Nonetheless, stone replacement is being kept to a minimum to avoid the unnecessary loss of original fabric. Secondly, the intention is to make the buildings watertight to avoid further problems related to water infiltration, normally implying faster rates of deterioration.

The process of restoration starts with a detailed historical research to understand the historical developments affecting the site.

This research highlighted the historical significance of other sites, not originally included within the development brief, including the Brennan Torpedo Station (and Boom Defence) and the Garden Battery, which are now included in the restoration project.

This phase is followed by an accurate study of the current state of deterioration. Each site presents a different scenario, including a wide range of problems:

• weathering of stone elements
• water infiltration
• cement repairs
• structural problems, particularly due to war damage
• missing portions - demolished during World War II or
• vandalism and theft

The aim of the restoration intervention is to revive the original concept, or legibility, of the subject in order to achieve a proper understanding of the whole, and the historical development of the site. This implies the reconstruction of missing portions and the uncovering of relevant historic features (covered by debris, soil, vegetation, modern finishes, etc) resulting in a scheme that enhances the quality of the monument, while reducing the rate of decay.

Since all these structures were constantly modified, to respond to the military and/or quarantine demands of the time, one of the difficult aspects of the project is an informed judgment of whether to revert to the original configuration, on which developments and additions to retain and to remove, and on which missing areas to reconstruct.

Unfortunately, such questions do not have a simple answer. International charters, which stress "authenticity" (every new intervention has to be distinguishable), through recording and retention of all superimposed layers of history, provide the necessary guidelines. Furthermore, we feel it is imperative to stop restoration when conjecture begins.

Restoring such buildings is not enough. Restoration is both expensive, as well as shortlived, unless it is supplemented by ongoing maintenance. A 'compatible' and sustainable use, which respects and (possibly) enhances the historical significance of a place, is desirable, since it facilitates the conservation and maintenance of the monument.

This is the first of a series of articles, written by Professor A. Torpiano and Architects K. Buhagiar, S. Sammut, D. Zahra and E. Said - aoM Partnership - which aims to focus on the restoration works undertaken as part of the Manoel Island and Tigné Point Development (MIDI) project.