Heritage Scheme Boosts Malta’s North
Revitalising the North: Heritage Scheme Expands to Village Cores
Picture this: the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the honey-coloured stone facades of Mġarr’s village core. The streets hum with life, locals and tourists alike mingling in the newly refurbished piazzetta. This isn’t a scene from a postcard, but a reality thanks to the extended heritage restoration scheme in Malta’s Northern region.
From South to North: A Scheme Expands
Launched in 2018, the Restore Scheme has been breathing new life into historical buildings across Malta’s Southern region. Now, the government has announced an extension of this successful scheme to cover the Northern region, with a focus on village cores.
The scheme, administered by Heritage Malta, offers financial assistance to property owners for the restoration and conservation of their buildings. With the extension, villages like Mġarr, Xagħra, and Rabat are set to benefit from this €10 million investment.
Revitalising Village Cores: More Than Just Bricks and Mortar
But this isn’t just about preserving the past. It’s about creating vibrant, sustainable communities for the future. “It’s about bringing life back to these village cores,” says Dr. Anthony Pace, Heritage Malta’s Director. “We’re not just restoring buildings, we’re restoring the very soul of these communities.”
Take Mġarr, for instance. The village core, with its narrow streets and traditional houses, has been transformed. New public spaces have been created, encouraging locals and visitors to linger, shop, and dine. It’s a model that other Northern villages can now emulate.
And it’s not just about aesthetics. The scheme also aims to boost the local economy. “Restoration creates jobs, attracts tourists, and supports local businesses,” says Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, José Herrera. “It’s a win-win situation.”
Getting Involved: What Next?
So, what’s next? If you’re a property owner in one of the eligible Northern villages, now’s the time to start thinking about your restoration project. The scheme is open for applications, and Heritage Malta is encouraging everyone to get involved.
“This is your chance to play a part in Malta’s heritage story,” says Dr. Pace. “We’re here to guide you every step of the way.”
For more information, visit Heritage Malta’s Restore Scheme website. Let’s revitalise our Northern villages, one stone at a time.
