Hamrun to Msida

Cherished survivals 

Even though Government ownership saw all major Malta Railway stations rebuilt in some way, Hamrun underwent the greatest transformation. Its position as the closest above-ground to the Valletta terminus made it the logical choice to base the engine and carriage sheds. From here engines could be prepared and trains made up to start their journey from the capital. However, the financial straits the railway company found itself during construction saw only the most basic provisions made on opening in 1883.

Alongside the new workshop, parallel with the southern boundary of the station, was a replacement carriage shed, offsetting the loss of the old one to engine shed use and expanding on accommodation. The new shed was built on a series of long stone arcades with a flat concrete roof and entirely open to the front.

As part of the same phase of development, new boundary walls were built up around the station to protect revenue and a new ticket office was built with a commanding presence looking up the road to the High Street. This had a first-floor room above it, accessed by a precarious looking external stair and for use, it is believed, by the station master. On its roof a tall semaphore signal was erected to control access into the station.

Rail road replacement