Restoration scheme for Gozo’s historic urban areas expands island-wide
Properties located within UCAs may qualify for grants of up to €15,000
Gozo’s historic town cores are set to receive a fresh wave of investment as the second call of the Urban Conservation Area (UCA) Restoration Scheme opens up to all residential properties across the island. The initiative, first launched earlier this year in Victoria, will now benefit homeowners throughout Gozo’s villages, marking a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to protect the island’s architectural heritage.
The scheme forms part of a major €58 million package dedicated exclusively to sustainable urban development in Gozo. From this envelope, €5 million from the European Regional Development Fund have been allocated specifically for restoration works on properties located within UCAs. Additional local funds have also been assigned to ensure that residents in every locality, including those outside previously designated areas, can benefit.
The government’s long-term vision positions Gozo not only as a guardian of Malta’s built heritage but also as a cultural hub in its own right. With the island making strides toward its bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031, the restoration of traditional streetscapes is being treated as a foundational investment. Reviving historic facades and preserving the island’s distinctive limestone character are seen as essential steps in strengthening Gozo’s cultural identity while breathing new life into its traditional urban centres.
Beyond heritage preservation, the initiative aligns with a broader national strategy for sustainable urban development under the 2021–2027 programme period. This includes investment in social inclusion, mobility and environmental projects. The restoration scheme therefore serves not only as an architectural intervention but as part of a wider plan to enhance quality of life across Gozo’s communities.
Under this grant scheme, properties located within UCAs may qualify for grants of up to €15,000. Scheduled buildings graded as Grade 1 or 2 may be eligible for up to €25,000, allowing residents to carry out approved restoration works on their facades.
Homeowners wishing to apply can do so through a warranted architect. Once applications are approved by the Planning Authority, works may begin. More information, along with full eligibility guidelines, can be found at: https://pa.org.mt/built-heritage-restoration-scheme.
As Gozo continues to evolve while honouring its past, this expanded restoration scheme aims to ensure that the island’s most treasured streetscapes remain vibrant, lived-in and authentically preserved for generations to come.