Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and EU Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi announced the second phase for the restoration scheme for old buildings in urban conservation areas (UCAs), which extends this scheme to all residential properties in Gozo.
Minister Camilleri noted that the UCA scheme was opened earlier this April for Rabat, Gozo, and that now, the government has announced the next step: for all residential properties within the UCAs of other Gozitan villages to be rendered eligible for this scheme.
He added that at some point in the future, this scheme will extend to all UCAs in the island of Malta as well.
Through this scheme, UCA buildings may qualify for up to €15,000 while Grade 1 and Grade 2 properties can qualify for a maximum of €25,000 to carry out restoration works on their façades.
The move to extend this scheme towards all UCA residences across Gozo will cost the government €5 million in European funds. The Planning Authority has also allocated half a million euros in national funds to ensure that the rest of Gozo can benefit from this restoration scheme. At present, the government has already dedicated €58 million in ERDF funds under the Priority for Sustainable Urban Development.
Minister Camilleri remarked that "as we've managed to transform Valletta through European funds, it is now time for the whole of Gozo to benefit from a similar investment." The Planning Minister said this in reference to the recent announcement that Victoria, Gozo has been shortlisted as one of the potential European Capitals of Culture for 2031.
Minister Camilleri continued that through this scheme, the government is continuing to put Gozo at the forefront of its vision as it will help old Gozitan buildings to restore their cultural and architectural identity, thus giving new life to traditional urban areas.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this initiative forms part of the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy for 2021-2027.
For further information or to apply for this scheme, people are invited to follow the following link: https://pa.org.mt/built-heritage-restoration-scheme. Applications can be submitted through an architect. Approved restoration works can commence following the Planning Authority's approval.