The Archdiocese of Malta has entered into an agreement with CPCHL, majority shareholder of Corinthia Group, to transform Casa Leone XIII into a state-of-the-art home for the elderly. The residence, located on an 8,000 sqm site in the heart of St Julian’s and currently accommodating 98 elderly residents, will be uplifted to become one of the leading homes for the elderly in Malta.
Under the agreement, CPHCL will invest in the property and take an active role in the development, management and operation of the residence, and ancillary activities, for the next 50 years. Refurbishment will be phased to ensure the home can continue operating normally throughout the upgrade process. All existing guests will continue to reside at the property.
Michael Pace Ross, Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese, said: “CPHCL’s expertise in modernising notable properties, coupled with its international expertise in hospitality and related services, ensures that Casa Leone has a bright future ahead.”
Jean Pierre Schembri, CEO of CPHCL, said the company will invest to refurbish the home, improve the landscaping and outdoor areas, and further develop parts of the property with a view to increasing the number of beds.
“Our vision is to transfer all our knowledge in quality hospitality, catering, laundry, landscaping and other ancillary activities into the management of homes for the elderly – starting with Casa Leone. Our management principles will be based on quality, sustainability and care. While the renovation process will be phased, we will strive to make a positive impact from day one and ensure that Casa Leone becomes a home of choice.”
During a meeting with staff, residents and their families, Mr Pace Ross stressed that the ethos of the Catholic Church and the values it embraces will continue be respected at all times, and that residents will benefit from this partnership.
As representative for staff members, the General Workers’ Union has also been kept abreast of developments. Kendrick Bondin, section secretary of the GWU representing employees, said following constructive and respectful dialogue, the union remains committed to continuing negotiations with the new employer to establish a renewed collective agreement that reflects the needs and aspirations of the workforce.
Casa Leone will remain Church property, while the agreement also provides for continuous staff training to further enhance the standard of care offered to residents.
This partnership marks a significant step in ensuring that Casa Leone will continue to serve the community with dignity, care and excellence for decades to come.
About Casa Leone XIII
The building bearing the name of Pope Leo XIII originally belonged to the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, known as the Blue Sisters. The Sisters were originally invited to Malta in 1894 by Archbishop Pietro Pace, who asked them to manage a home for the sick, and they eventually took possession of the existing premises. The convent was inaugurated by Governor Grenfell in October 1900 and named after Pope Leo XIII, who had approved the Little Company of Mary in 1882. Throughout the years, the house was expanded and used as a hospital including a maternity division. When the Blue Sisters were expelled from Malta in December 1980, the house was closed until new arrangements were concluded between the Archdiocese of Malta and the Maltese Government. Casa Leone eventually reopened in December 1985 as an elderly home run by the Sisters of Charity. Since 2005, it has operated as a home for the elderly under the Archdiocese of Malta.
About CPHCL
CPHCL is a majority shareholder of the Corinthia Group, a name synonymous with real estate, hotels and the operation thereof since 1968. The Group also manages and owns 50% of MIH, the owning company of Palm City, which has over 400 serviced residential units, which is today the most exclusive residential address in Libya. Moreover, CPHCL currently operates and/or is involved in various businesses in Malta, including Swan Laundry, The Danish Bakery, Quality Talent (RQT), Palace Landscaping, Palace Concierge, Palace Residences, and MFCC.
