The government has announced a €5 million scheme for the restoration, conservation and maintenance of private dwellings which are in urban conservation areas – put simply, town and village cores.

The scheme is to stop the deterioration of Malta’s village cores. In a press conference to announce the initiative, Minister Mario de Marco said that a good number of houses in village and town centres fall into disrepair because there are often cases involving wills, as well as the fact that they are, by nature, difficult to maintain.

The scheme seems to be tied into numerous other initiatives. In the recent tourism policy document, the emphasis was made on retaining the “authenticity” of the Maltese tourism product. This also means our unique way of building in limestone, and preserving as well as restoring our village centres.

Also, in parliament, the emphasis was put on sustainable development, regeneration and utilising existing buildings.

Studies have shown that over the past 20 years, more people have set up home in modern, small spaces on the periphery of villages, often in apartments. This is the trend that the government wants to reverse.

Assistance will be given in the form of a rebate on expenses for costs of materials, labour, hire of equipment, professional fees, Mepa permit fees and other government charges. The works should be related to restoration, maintenance and cleaning of the facade, repair or replacement of doors and apertures, repair or replacement of traditional balconies, as well as paint and plaster works.

Consolidations and restoration works on the buildings’ interior, including works on wooden or steel beams (xorok), arches and kilep, and the reconstruction or maintenance of roofs and wells, is also included.

Up to 20% of expenses can be refunded and the maximum sum received by owners of each residence cannot exceed €5,000. Up to 1,000 people may benefit from the scheme, which will be on a first come first served basis.

The idea is good. And if there is a good uptake, then the government should consider extending the scheme to a semi-permanent basis. Just a few weeks ago, a Dutch couple opened a boutique hotel right in the heart of Vittoriosa and this all ties in with the same priority of regenerating the cores.

Malta’s cities, towns and villages are beautiful places which are steeped in history. They are made out of the same stone which Renzo Piano described as being “intrinsically linked” to the Maltese way of life.

In the same way, we state again that entrepreneurs should look into business opportunities where village core properties can be turned into up market hostels, Bed & Breakfasts and boutique hotels. As we have stated before, this is a growing niche market around the world. Tourists look for the authentic experience, and what could be more authentic to waking up to the sounds and sights of a typical Maltese village every morning?