Planning Authority reopens €1 million restoration grant scheme for scheduled buildings outside UCAs

The Planning Authority has reopened a €1 million grant scheme aimed at supporting the restoration and conservation of scheduled buildings located outside Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs), with Expressions of Interest opening on Wednesday 2 July.

The scheme offers financial assistance of up to €100,000 for Grade 1 scheduled buildings and up to €50,000 for Grade 2 scheduled buildings. In cases of multiple ownership, each co-owner may receive up to €15,000, while consolidated applications may qualify for the maximum grant available under the scheme.

According to the Planning Authority, the initiative is intended to encourage the restoration of buildings that have been formally scheduled for their historical or architectural significance but fall outside UCAs, ensuring heritage properties across Malta continue to receive investment and protection.

Eligible works include the restoration of façades, conservation of stonework, repair of traditional timber apertures, and other restoration interventions approved by the Planning Authority.

Planning Minister Jonathan Attard said the strong interest shown in previous calls demonstrates a growing appreciation for the preservation of Malta's built heritage. He said the scheme provides owners of scheduled properties outside UCAs with further opportunities to undertake restoration projects while safeguarding the historical and architectural value of the buildings.

Planning Authority Executive Chairperson Johann Buttigieg said the initiative reinforces the Authority's commitment to protecting built heritage beyond UCAs by encouraging property owners to invest in the careful restoration of structures that form part of Malta's cultural identity.

Applicants must first register an Expression of Interest through the Planning Authority's online portal before submitting documentation outlining the proposed restoration works. Applications will be assessed against the scheme's eligibility criteria and processed in the order they are received until the available funding is exhausted.

Expressions of Interest opened at 9:00am on 2nd July and will close at 9:00am on 9th July, or earlier if the €1 million allocation is fully committed. The scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis.