St Luke’s hospital former kitchen to be redeveloped into lab

The former kitchen of St Luke’s Hospital in Pietà will be redeveloped into a genomics lab, after the Planning Authority approved the development application last week.

The planning application (PA/07375/25) includes internal and external structural alterations, including demolition works at the site and the construction of an additional floor and overlying service area at roof level.

Works also include the restoration of the façade.

A genomics lab is a facility for researchers to analyse genomes, the study of genes and their broader functions.

According to the proposal, the ground floor will be used for laboratories, ancillary offices, stores and toilet facilities. Offices, a lecture room, and staff facilities will be located on the first floor, and the roof level will be used as a services area for HVAC equipment.

A render of the proposed genomic lab to replace St Luke’s Hospital’s former kitchen. Photo: PA

The application was submitted on behalf of the Health and Active Ageing Ministry by the Permanent Secretary of Health and Active Ageing, Renzo De Gabriele and architect Mannie Galea.

While the building itself is not individually scheduled, it forms part of the wider scheduled context of St Luke’s Hospital and lies within its designated buffer zone.

The proposal highlights how the building was constructed in the 1930s and is built out of limestone, featuring period structural designs, such as aperture moulding and roofline cornices.

The proposal suggests a façade height of 12.28 metres and a maximum height of 16.5 metres

Besides the restoration of the façade, the proposal includes some minor alterations to modify doors and windows of the building.

The proposal also includes the replacement of steel doors with “wood-like” PVC doors and the installation of aluminum apertures.

The construction of the new floor will also be rendered in stone colour with white aluminum apertures.

The proposed height of the building should not affect the skyline of the St Luke’s complex, according to the case officer’s report. The proposal suggests a façade height of 12.28 metres and a maximum height of 16.5 metres.

The case officer’s report also noted that the proposed project would not deter the current use of the campus as a medical facility, rather it will contribute to national healthcare research.