Santu Rokku Centre, a historic building dating to the 1800s in Valletta, has been restored with the aid of the Development Planning Fund (DPF) to house youths, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia said today.

The project, which was completed through an investment of around €350,000, will provide a safe space for the youth of Valletta, as well as youths in surrounding areas. The project has taken four years to complete.

The centre will be home to Teen Klabb youth centre, a non-government organisation focused on providing youths with social, spiritual and educational guidance.

Farrugia said that the Planning Authority (PA) has not only invested in social projects like the opening of this hub for youths, but also environmental projects and also sportive projects that will benefit the community and improve the quality of life.

He added that the PA currently has €30 million of funds at their disposal, and he urges mayors across Malta and Gozo to step forward with ideas that these funds can be used towards.

Martin Saliba, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Planning Authority said that the PA is proud to support the project.

“We are all aware of the difficulties and pressures young people face, and this place is one of the remedies that will offer a safe space for the development of skills needed for the future,” he said.

The centre is owned by the Collegiate Parish of St Paul Naufrago. The inauguration of the hub was also attended by Archpriest David Cilia; project leader Maurizio Lapira and Valletta mayor Alfred Zammit.