A €2 million scheme that will see balconies in the southern part of Valletta restored was launched on Wednesday.
The scheme was launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Property Market Chris Agius and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia.
80% of this scheme is financed by European funds and the remaining 20% by the Planning Authority, amounting to €2 million.
This scheme, which is being led by the Planning Authority, is part of a holistic initiative aimed towards addressing social challenges in the economic, environmental, climatic and demographic sectors which affect specific urban zones in Malta. The port zone was identified as an urban zone where integrated action for sustainable urban development is most necessary.
Residents of the zone will be able to apply so that building facades are given a new appearance through the restoration of a number of balconies in a dilapidated state, while those not constructed of traditional materials will be replaced with traditional wooden balconies.
PS Agius said that our country’s traditional balconies form an important part of our heritage and therefore this scheme has its own importance as it will not only lead to the restoration of heritage but also means that their continued use will be encouraged.
He urged residents to take advantage of this scheme which is planned to cover up to €8,000 of eligible costs for each restored balcony.
“This is another important initiative that, which like the initiative Irrestawra Darek, helps our country exploit the full potential of our architectural heritage. We have already witnessed the success of Irrestawra Darek, which was launched earlier this year, and we look forward to more success with this new scheme,” he said.
PS Farrugia explained that the scheme has the aim of developing work addressing the specific needs of communities living in the southern part of the port region.
“The regeneration project of the southern part of Valletta will be providing an economic stimulus in the area, and will improve the visual impact of buildings as well as the quality of life of residents,” said Farrugia.
The Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority said that the scheme seeks to help alleviate the financial cost of restoring and maintaining traditional balconies, especially those made out of timber, to encourage their continued use. The grant scheme is being made available for open and closed balconies within properties that are used as residences.