Caring for our built heritage: Planning Authority’s grant scheme seeks to regenerate Malta’s village cores

Following a series of measures announced in the last budget by Government, the Planning Authority has launched a grant scheme - Irrestawra Darek - to further assist in the regeneration of Malta’s village core areas. Through this scheme the Authority is seeking to promote investment in the restoration, conservation and maintenance of privately owned residential properties located within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) and Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings.

Under this scheme, first time private buyers of residential Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings may apply for a rebate on 70% of eligible costs of restoration and conservation works on facade and interior up to a maximum of €100,000, whereas first time private buyers of an old residence located within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) may apply for a rebate of up to a maximum of €10,000.

The scheme is also open for private owners of residences, located within an Urban Conservation Area (UCA), who wish to carry out restoration and maintenance works on the facade of their old property. Private owners of such residences may apply for a grant of 70% of the works, up to a maximum of €10,000. For Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings, the grant scheme will provide a rebate of up to a maximum of €100,000.

To qualify for this scheme, the old building needs to be more than 50 years old. However, the Authority may still consider granting funds to a number of more recent buildings that also have inherent heritage values and may be worthy of conservation.

Works which are also eligible for funding under this scheme include measures which enhance efficiency in energy consumption of the building and microclimate control, aimed at promoting the further use of the building. Such measures include the installation of services that may be necessary for modern comfort standards such as damp proofing, double glazing, insulation, UV filters and other green initiatives. The installation of these services must not compromise or negatively impact the heritage value of the heritage building. Works related to these services may need to be included within a Works Method Statement explaining how the installation methodology will avoid damage to the historic fabric.

For this scheme the Authority has decided to waive all fees and charges related to the submission of a planning application, restoration monitoring charges and Bank Guarantees.

The scheme which commenced earlier this week is being made available up to a maximum of €8 million on a first come first served basis up until 30th April 2017. Works must have a planning permit and have to commence after 1st January 2017. Fiscal receipts would also be required.

The funds for this initiative are being made available by the Authority from the fees it generates from the regularisation process application. The regularisation process application provide property owners with a ‘one-time opportunity’ to regularise existing unsanctionable non-conformant developments located entirely within the development boundaries. Further information pertaining to the Irrestawra Darek scheme may be downloaded from the Authority’s website www.pa.org.mt.