The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, has announced that the "Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ" scheme has been launched for the Southern Region. A total of €5 million has been allocated for the restoration, conservation, and maintenance of properties in the region.
This scheme is open to private homeowners, NGOs, and businesses located in eligible localities within this region.
Minister Camilleri said that after this scheme was opened for the Western Region last month, Wednesday marked the time for it to open for the Southern Region. This scheme will gradually be available to all regions across Malta and Gozo.
"It was gratifying for us that the scheme with a total value of €30 million attracted great interest," Minister Camilleri said, "Above all because this is a scheme that continues to strengthen the government's commitment to invest directly in our communities, in order to protect and strengthen our architectural and historical heritage."
The Minister for Gozo and Planning said that through these grants, an opportunity is being given to property owners, voluntary organisations, and businesses to restore and conserve valuable buildings while keeping alive the authentic character of Maltese and Gozitan villages and towns.
The Southern Region includes Qormi, Għaxaq, Żejtun, Santa Venera, Birzebbugia, Marsascala, Gudja, Ħamrun, Luqa, and Marsa.
Eligible applicants can benefit from up to €15,000 for restoration works on any type of property located within an Urban Conservation Area (UCA); up to €100,000 for Grade 1 scheduled buildings located within UCAs; and up to €50,000 for Grade 2 scheduled buildings within UCAs.
Applications for the scheme are open from Wednesday, 25 February 2026, until 4 March 2026. As in the case of the Western Region, applications will be evaluated strictly in the order in which they are submitted.
An additional €2 million has also been announced for the restoration of Grade 1 and 2 scheduled buildings in all regions of Malta and Gozo that are located outside an UCA. Minister Camilleri said this initiative is aimed at structures of architectural and historical value outside of established UCAs. Applications for this are scheduled to open on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Minister Camilleri concluded that these initiatives are part of the ongoing commitment of the government and the Planning Authority within the Ministry to support property owners, protect the national architectural heritage, and preserve the Maltese character in buildings.
The Planning Authority's executive chairman, Johann Buttigieg, stated that "With €5 million allocated to the Southern Region, we are sending a clear message that our built heritage deserves the attention and investment it deserves." He appealed to residents, NGOs, and businesses to quickly apply to benefit from this opportunity.
"Simultaneously, the additional investment of €2 million in scheduled structures across Malta and Gozo demonstrates our commitment to protecting the architecture and history that form our identity. Together, we can build a future where our heritage is not only preserved, but strengthened for those who come after us," he said.
Applications can be submitted online via the Planning Authority's website or in person. Applications will be assessed by the Heritage Planning Unit and the Development Fund Committee.
Applicants can check their eligibility through the mapserver on www.pa.org.mt, the Scheduled Property Register, through the direct helpline 22900000, or through the e-mail: [email protected]. More information about this scheme can be found through the following link: https://pa.org.mt/irrestawra-darek-u-lvillagg.