Government today announced the rehabilitation of a Valletta building towards the bottom of St Ursula Street, Valletta, which will then house a youth centre.

The site is owned by the Curia and will be run by an NGO.  It will offer activities as well as arts and crafts classes and other services for youths.

PA Board Chairperson Vince Cassar said that a contract was signed with the Valletta Local Council for €288,000 to be given for the project, from the Development Planning fund.

The Development Planning Fund brings opportunities for towns and villages to invest in a more sustainable environment and improve the quality of life for residents. “This fund promotes improvement and embellishment works in urban areas, such as landscaping, traffic management and other urban projects which are considered beneficial to the wider community. The fund is made available for all local councils, government agencies, NGO's or private individuals but the proposals would need to be submitted through the respective Local Councils where the initiatives are intended to be implemented,” the Planning Authority website reads.

He described this project as one of the best examples for the use of this fund.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg highlighted the importance of working with partners in the community. ?He stressed that every type of development leaves some form of impact.

Valletta local council Mayor Alexiei Dingli said that this project fits in with the council’s vision for Valletta, and mentioned that certain zones do not have anywhere for youths to go after school.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Communities Silvio Parnis said spoke of the upcoming local council reform, and mentioned how first and foremost, local councils must serve their communities. “Our priority is to see how people will benefit from this reform.” He said that a centre like the one being proposed today, will help youths in the area.

Photo: Alenka Falzon