Planning Authority launches €30 million restoration scheme

The Planning Authority has officially launched the Irrestawra Darek 2026 Grant Scheme, a national initiative aimed at preserving Malta and Gozo’s historic built environment through the restoration of traditional façades and scheduled heritage structures located within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs).

With €30 million made available over six months, this year’s edition marks one of the most significant national investments in architectural conservation.

Safeguarding Malta’s Architectural Legacy

The scheme provides financial assistance to owners, tenants, and NGOs to restore and maintain traditional façades and architectural elements. Through these efforts, the initiative supports:

• Heritage preservation through high-quality restoration
• Enhanced village cores and improved urban aesthetics
• Community wellbeing, increased craftsmanship opportunities, and cultural tourism
• Environmental benefits through adaptive reuse and reduced demolition waste  

Funding is allocated regionally and launched on a staggered basis to ensure orderly uptake:

• Reġjun Punent – €4.5 million
• Reġjun Nofsinhar – €5 million
• Reġjun Għawdex – €1.5 million
• Reġjun tal-Port – €9 million
• Reġjun Tramuntana – €3.5 million
• Reġjun Lvant – €6.5 million

The financial allocation per region reflects the number of traditional dwellings within each region. Unused funds may be reallocated based on uptake.

Application Details for Residents of Reġjun Punent

The scheme opens first in Reġjun Punent, covering the following localities: Mdina, Siġġiewi, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Dingli, Rabat, Kirkop, Imqabba, Qrendi, Safi and Żurrieq.

Phase 1: Expression of Interest

Residents of Reġjun Punent may submit their Expression of Interest from 28th January 2026) up until 18th February 2026.

Applications may be submitted online via the Planning Authority website or in person. During this phase, the Authority will verify eligibility and request site plans where necessary.

Once the application period for Reġjun Punent closes, a new period, for a new region will start and once again there will be a three-week application period.

Phase 2: Full Application – Request for Funding

Applicants who pass Phase 1 will be invited to submit:

• Detailed site plans
• Photographs
• Method statements
• Bills of quantities and cost estimates
• Ownership/consent declarations (including multi-owner declarations)

Submissions will undergo technical assessment by the Heritage Planning Unit and evaluation by the Development Fund Committee.

Funding Available

Applicants may benefit from the below national funding caps:

• €15,000 – Properties within UCAs
• €50,000 – Grade 2 scheduled properties (within UCA)
• €100,000 – Grade 1 scheduled properties (within UCA)

Monitoring, Payments, and Completion

Once approved, applicants must file a Commencement Notice at least five days before starting works and ensure all permits are in hand. Payments are made directly to beneficiaries:

• Single full payment for heritage buildings
• Up to three phased payments for scheduled buildings

Projects must be completed within 48 months from the date of the Letter of Conditional Approval.

Property Eligibility Check

Applicants may verify eligibility through:

• Mapserver tool on www.pa.org.mt
• Scheduled Property Register
• Direct assistance via phone (2290 0000) or email (irrestawradarek@pa.org.mt)

More information about this grant scheme can be found at https://pa.org.mt/irrestawra-darek-u-lvillagg