St Edward’s College gets lease extended for 65 years
The school will pay an annual sum of €70,664
St Edward’s College had its lease renewed for another 65 years on Wednesday.
The new lease will cover 34,643 square metres of land occupied by the college in Vittoriosa, including classrooms, offices, grounds, and parking. The premises include a boarding section available for students aged 11 years and older.
Known as one of the oldest independent schools in Malta, St Edward’s College was founded in 1929 as a boys’ boarding school. Built in 1878 as the Cottonera Military Hospital, the building played a vital role during World War I. Later, the hospital was repurposed into a British-style public school through the efforts of Baroness Strickland.
In 2025, the college welcomed co-education at its junior schools.
When the lease was first signed, the school’s foundation paid a yearly ground rent of £200 (around €465).
Under the new concession agreement, the school will pay €70,664 a year. That rate is subject to a 10 per cent increase every 10 years.
Prime Minister Robert Abela, Lands Minister Owen Bonnici and students were present during the signing of the lease renewal.
In a Facebook post, the college said the signing of the renewed College lease marked a "historic milestone".
"It is a celebration of the College’s legacy, its stability, and its unwavering commitment to future generations of Edwardians," the post read, adding how the renewal ensures the college's traditions, values and educational excellence will continue to flourish.
Correction: This report earlier said the lease is subject to a 10% increase every year. The correct term is every 10 years.