The aim of the EIPP is to enhance and protect Malta’s natural environment and cultural heritage using funds secured through what is known as ‘Planning Gain’. Planning Gain is often sought by Mepa as a means of environmental compensation for impacts that may result from development, which impacts cannot be reasonably mitigated.

The ‘Planning Gain’ used in this case was a condition imposed on the development application permit granted for the construction of an extension to the adjoining Victoria Hotel and an underground multi-storey car park in Sliema.

The extensive works that were carried out on the chapel included the restoration of the façade and the inner walls, the ceiling and dome. Other maintenance works were carried out on the marble floor, the altar and the church’s inner and main door. Restoration works still need to be carried out on one side wall and the tympanum of the chapel.

Situated almost opposite the parish church of Stella Maris, this is today the oldest standing chapel in Sliema. Prior to the building of this chapel, there was another church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary located in Tignè Fort but this had been destroyed during the French occupation (1798-1800).

After the occupation, and not wanting their church to experience the same fate, the Sliema residents opted for an alternative site. The land on which the chapel stands today was property donated by Giovanna Salvaloco. The church was finished and consecrated around May 1804 and formed part of the Birkirkara Parish. Until 1855 when Stella Maris church was built this was the only church that could be found in the Sliema area.

Small though it is, the chapel also houses artistic heritage in the form of a Mattia Preti painting. It is thought that this painting was brought over from the Church of Nativity of Our Lady in Tignè prior to its ruin during the French occupation.

Through the EIPP scheme, Mepa is currently also financing various other projects in and around the Maltese Islands.

These include the restoration of dilapidated historic buildings and structures, maintenance of derelict archaeological sites, tree planting projects, embellishment works, and projects related to the marine environment.