Scheme to restore UCA properties rolled out to southern region
Planning Minister also announces extra €2 million for people with grade 1 or 2 protection
The Irrestawra Darek (Restore Your Home) scheme, which offers grants to restore facades of buildings in Urban Conservation Areas, has been rolled out to the southern region.
Calls for the West region opened last month with €4.5 million allocated for the area and on Wednesday people in the southern region could apply for a total of €5 million.
The scheme, totalling €30 million in funds, provides financial assistance to owners, tenants and NGOs to restore and maintain traditional façades and architectural elements in their properties.
Planning Minister Clint Camilleri also announced an extra €2 million will be made available for people with Grade 1 or 2 scheduled buildings not located in a UCA across Malta and Gozo.
The southern region includes Ħal Qormi, Ħal Għaxaq, Żejtun, Santa Venera, Birżebbuġa, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Gudja, Ħamrun, Ħal Luqa, and Marsa.
Applicants have until March 4 to submit their application either on the Planning Authority’s website or in person, and will be evaluated by the Heritage Planning Unit and the Development Fund Committee.
The scheme is open to owners of private homes, NGOs and businesses with the following limits:
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Up to €15,000 for restoration works on any type of property located within a UCA.
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Up to €100,000 for Grade 1 scheduled buildings located within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs).
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Up to €50,000 for Grade 2 scheduled buildings within UCAs.
Applications for the restoration of Scheduled Buildings (Grade 1 and Grade 2) located outside UCAs will open on 9 March 2026.
Camilleri said the scheme shows the government's commitment "to investing directly in our communities, so as to safeguard and enhance our architectural and historical heritage."
Executive Chairman of the Planning Authority, Johann Buttigieg, said the €5 million allocated to the southern region "sends a clear message that our built heritage deserves the attention and investment it merits".
He urged people to apply promptly. In previous years the scheme was taken up within minutes of opening, which is why the scheme has been announced in a staggered process based on regions this year.