New scheme to breathe fresh life into Malta and Gozo’s Urban Conservation Areas

Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ was launched on 28th January by the Planning Authority in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The scheme aims to encourage residents of Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) to restore their houses, making use of €30 million available in funds, over a six-month period.

In fact, the scheme proved to be immensely popular from the start, as the Planning Authority announced the successful conclusion of the first leg of the scheme, specifically that dedicated to Reġjun Punent, following an exceptionally strong showing from the public. The scheme was fully subscribed, with applications exceeding the regional allocation available, much to the satisfaction of the Authority.

“The objective of the scheme is twofold. To encourage high-quality restoration and embellishment of historic buildings, while breathing new life into UCAs across Malta and Gozo,” explains Planning Authority Executive Mr Joseph Zahra.

“These instruments help shift the general attitudes away from seeing old buildings as a burden, or as something constrained by regulation, and towards a renewed appreciation of their value. In many cases, the initial intervention creates a domino effect, sparking wider interest and investment in surrounding properties and entire streetscapes.”

Having been with the Authority since its earliest days, Mr Zahra has spent much of his career within the Heritage Planning Unit, working on the scheduling, protection, and evaluation of Malta’s built heritage. Naturally, a commitment to quality in all works remains central and crucial to the success of the scheme.

“Works must follow best practices rooted in international charters and conventions, with monitoring in place to ensure that traditional techniques and appropriate materials are used,” Mr Zahra points out.

“While this may occasionally lead to an initial moment of frustration, beneficiaries quickly understand that such strict adherence to elevated standards safeguards the long-term value of their property and the wider heritage context, making it a wiser investment for them in the long run.”

Over time, the scope of these initiatives has expanded significantly. What began as a scheme focused solely on the restoration of the traditional Maltese balcony has grown in eligibility in terms of localities, funding levels, as well as frequency.

Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ runs a staggered application process whereby each of Malta’s six regions will have a dedicated window. This phased approach is designed to avoid an overload of applications and to ensure a smoother process for applicants.

“The scheme is open to anyone with eligible property within an UCA, including private owners, NGOs as well as commercial operators. It is estimated that around 2,000 applications could benefit from the scheme. It is very important for prospective applicants to carefully read the guidelines before applying, to avoid unnecessary expenses that would result in ineligible applications,” Mr Zahra clarifies.

In order to encourage the widest participation possible, the initial application process will not require the involvement of an architect, as staff from the Planning Authority will shortlist applications according to eligibility. Shortlisted applications will then proceed to a second advanced stage, where proper plans will be requested with the involvement of the appropriate professionals.

The scheme, however, goes beyond the restoration of beautiful buildings. Mr Zahra also frames it as a way of safeguarding ancient trades that would otherwise go lost.

“Traditional woodworking and wrought iron, in particular, rely on skills passed down through generations, with ancient roots that trace back through history. The scheme has allowed us to take an interest in these trades and support the master artisans that are still in operation. Through schemes like this, we are not only conserving our villages, but also sustaining age-old knowledge from being lost forever,” Mr Zahra concludes.

Applications for the scheme for Regjun Nofsinhar will be open from 25th February 2026 and will remain available until 4th March 2026. 

Regjun Nofsinhar comprises the following localities: Ħal Qormi, Ħal Għaxaq, Iż-Żejtun, Santa Venera, Birżebbuġa, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Il-Gudja, Il-Ħamrun, Ħal Luqa, and Il-Marsa.