Malta news: new MCAST campus

The first phase of construction works at the new MCAST campus is at an advanced stage and finishing works on the first of three buildings have started. Education Minister Dolores Cristina announced at a visit to the campus yesterday morning that works are well ahead of schedule and it should accommodate students next January. The project started on 3 August last year with the demolition of existing structures and the required excavations to make way for the new buildings. This phase is being co-funded through a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project, which is sourcing €9.6 million of the €22 million required. The remaining costs are being financed by the government. This phase includes new buildings for the Institute of Applied Science and the Institute of Business and Commerce, as well as a student house with new recreational facilities. Phase one of works should be completed by September next year. Once complete, the new MCAST campus will bring the College’s 10 institutes in one location, at Corradino. It will extend over an area of 100 square metres, or the equivalent of 20 football grounds, from St Anthony’s Church in Ghajn Dwieli to Marsa, where the new MCAST Maritime Institute will be located, with direct access to the sea. The new campus will also incorporate the public gardens adjacent to Corradino Hill, where new sports facilities for students will be built. Over €120 million are being invested in the project. The Applied Science Institute, within the first phase of works, includes several new lecture rooms, and 11 laboratories specialised in different scientific and technological areas of study. These laboratories will be equipped with advanced equipment which helps students gain the necessary experience for employment, while providing them with an opportunity to conduct industry research in various sectors.(independent.com.mt) Students form an important part of the goodwill Maltese therefore should be maintained.