Architect Ian Ritchie.

The initial proposed masterplan for the development and transformation of the iconic Old Brewhouse and former packaging halls into the Farsons Business Park has been unveiled – featuring business pavilions set in a series of courtyard gardens.

The Farsons board of directors appointed Ian Ritchie Architects, a British firm of architects of international repute, to lead the team. Over the past three months, a masterplan for the façade building and land was prepared, with support from Malta-based engineers TBA Periti, as well as a host of specialists covering building sustainability, landscape, lighting and visitor experience design.

Farsons Group chairman Louis Farrugia said: “We have been working 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.”

Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd has a reputation for the unexpected as well as for sustainable design and innovation. 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. His practice has received more than 60 national and international awards for his projects.

Mr 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.”

Once completed, the project will include around 50,000m2 of commercial space with complementary retail, leisure, cultural and social facilities. The Brewery façade will be restored and pioneer the showcasing of Malta’s industrial heritage.

The Old Brewhouse itself will be transformed into a leisure entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, event spaces and a brewery visitor experience celebrating Farsons’ past, present and future.

Before proceeding on to the detailed design phases of the project, the board will secure the necessary Mepa, Transport Malta and other regulatory approvals. The board will also engage 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 that own substantial areas of land in the vicinity.