A €3 million restoration project is under way at Villa Portelli in Kalkara following which the historic building will open to the public.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and the Kalkara Mayor Wayne Aquilina paid a visit to the site on Monday.

The restoration and digitization work being done will allow the public to enjoy the villa and its garden free of charge.

The villa became property of the Maltese Government in 1979, following the closure of the British military base. It had previously been used as the Admiral’s official residence since 1961.

Heritage Malta, which is responsible for the villa, is also expected to begin offering an experience where visitors are able to follow the restoration of traditional boats.

Abela said that this work is being done as a result of the Cabinet’s decision to transfer the responsibility of Villa Portelli to Heritage Malta, declaring that this decision was done so that the heritage of our country is protected and enjoyed as an educational experience.

He said that the community aspect that will be cultivated in this building is important. He added: “This restoration project entrusted to the guardian of the cultural heritage is also part of other changes at a community level that we want to continue to do by making historic and public buildings open to families.”

There are also further initiatives planned by Heritage Malta such as explanations to visitors regarding the effects of climate change on historical heritage. The restoration work currently being carried out is also addressing the damage that Villa Portelli sustained due to the storm Helios which hit the Maltese islands last February.