Not much remains of the landmark St Joseph Home in Għajnsielem, it has emerged, as only the façade of the building has been retained during demolition despite planning permits stating otherwise.

The Gozo building, which stands out on the road up from the port, is being taken down to make way for an old people’s home to be run by the Ministry for Gozo.

According to recommendations by the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee of the former planning authority Mepa, the new development would have had to incorporate as much of the existing structure as possible.

“Following a site inspection the panel finds no objection to the proposal from a cultural heritage point of view provided that the new construction overlooking Mġarr Road should be set back so that the historical building retains its existing character and context to the highest level possible,” the panel had said.

The authority had approved the project in 2014. The new home is to be divided on three floors with underlying basement parking, restaurant, chapel and ancillary facilities. The home will be rented out by the Gozo Church to the government, according to an agreement that was signed in 2013. At the time, the government had said the home was to be rented at a lower rate than the market value.

It’s such a shame that a historical house is being destroyed

The home will have 70 rooms and 140 beds with views of Fort Chambray, Xatt l-Aħmar, Comino and the countryside. The Gozo Church will provide religious services including two masses every day.

The building, more commonly known as Casa di San Giuseppe, was built during the same period as the nearby Fort Chambray. When it first opened its doors it had served as an orphanage and in more recent years it was used as a hostel.

Gozo shadow minister Chris Said said that while the permits clearly indicated that the building should have been safeguarded as far as possible, this was not the case.

“It’s such a shame that a historical house which dates back to the rule of the Order of St John is being destroyed. The building could have been incorporated into the old people’s home,” Dr Said said, adding that such actions showed a lack of appreciation for Malta’s architectural heritage.

Condemning the demolition, Mr Said called on the authorities to ensure that what little of the building remained was not destroyed any further.

Questions sent to the Gozo Ministry remained unanswered by the time of writing.

A Planning Authority spokesman said that the authority was aware that a four-metre wall within the hall area, which was to be retained, had collapsed.

“The applicant has submitted a minor amendment to address this matter. This minor amendment is still be considered by the Authority.”