Paceville building shored up as clean-up begins following Tania Flats collapse

A building in Paceville deemed to be at risk has been reinforced to avert any further danger as the first stage of clean-up operations got underway following the partial collapse of Tania Flats, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said.

In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the BCA said work had begun to support the building housing Trattoria Da Nennella, located adjacent to the former The Avenue restaurant site, to strengthen the structure.

“This is being done to address any danger,” the authority said.

The BCA started reinforcement works to shore up this building in Paceville as it was deemed at risk. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The restaurant has been closed for several days, along with a number of other establishments on St George’s Road, including a pharmacy and a hotel, which remain shuttered and cordoned off with police tape.

Da Nennella restaurant in Paceville which is located within the "at risk" building remains closed on Saturday. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Asked when these businesses would be considered safe to reopen, BCA CEO Roderick Bonnici told Times of Malta that once the respective architects submit their reference letters, the establishments may resume operations.

On Saturday afternoon, the owner of Corks Bar told Times of Malta it was planning to reopen that evening as usual.

Tania Flats, located on Triq Paceville, collapsed late on June 11, just hours after all 32 of its residents, all English language students, had been safely evacuated.

Businesses along St George's Road could reopen after respective architects submit their reference letters. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The following day, an additional 40 people were evacuated from nearby buildings on St George’s Street, behind Triq Paceville, as a precaution.

Speaking the day after the incident, Luigi, a chef at Trattoria Da Nennella, recalled how, on the night of the collapse, restaurant patrons initially believed there was a fire outside, but upon stepping out, saw dust everywhere. He said he was not surprised by the incident, pointing to nearby construction sites and cranes.

The BCA described the ongoing clean-up as a “delicate” operation that is expected to take several days. The authority also thanked residents and business owners for their cooperation.

Earlier this week, the BCA began a controlled demolition of the remaining dangerous structures on site.

“This operation includes the cleaning of properties surrounding the site that partially collapsed, and which the authority carefully and in a controlled manner ensured was demolished due to the remaining dangerous structure,” it said.