Underground Flour Mill

The post-Second World War period was characterised for several decades with a continually brewing conflict known as the  Cold War. This, together with the uncontrolled proliferation of nuclear warfare, led to a significant threat of a nuclear conflict in Europe. The Maltese islands had always been dependant on imported and stored food, particularly grain. To increase the storage of grain, the British Colonial Office took the decision to construct several underground flour mills in the Maltese islands, which would give the local population a staple diet of bread in case of need. Seven underground mills were constructed in Malta - one in San Gwann close to the modern Primary School. One underground mill was constructed in Xlendi, Gozo.

The underground mills were excavated during 1954-55. They consisted of an entrance tunnel, some 30 meters long, 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, leading into a large chamber. This chamber was divided into three floors and housed the storage, grinding and milling equipment. A grain silo with a storage capacity of about 1000 tons of weath was situated at the rear of the mill. This was connected to the milling machinery by mechanical augers. The silo had access from the surface. The mill was supplied and installed by the British Company Thomas Robinson of Rochdale, England. It was powered by an 80 hp diesel engine and an alternator supplied the electrical power.