Eastern Malta: Final Phase of Restoration Grants Unveiled

Eastern Malta: The Final Frontier for Restoration Grants

Picture this: the sun casting a golden glow over the ancient streets of Żejtun, as locals and tourists alike marvel at the restored grandeur of the town’s historic buildings. This isn’t a scene from a period drama, but a glimpse into the future of eastern Malta, thanks to the final phase of the national restoration scheme.

From Żejtun to Żurrieq: A Wave of Restoration

The scheme, spearheaded by the Malta Arts Council, has been transforming the island’s historic towns and villages, one restoration grant at a time. After successfully revitalising areas like Mdina and Rabat, the final phase is set to breathe new life into the eastern region, with Żejtun, Żurrieq, and Marsaxlokk among the beneficiaries.

For Żejtun, this means a much-needed facelift for its historic core, with the grand Palazzo Parisio and the Baroque Church of St. Gregory set to undergo extensive renovations. In Żurrieq, the iconic Domus Romana and the 17th-century parish church will receive a new lease on life, while Marsaxlokk’s historic fishing village will see improvements to its traditional boatsheds and fish market.

Grants and Guidelines: What You Need to Know

So, how does one get their hands on these restoration grants? The Malta Arts Council has set aside €5 million for this final phase, with grants ranging from €50,000 to €500,000. The catch? Applicants must match the grant amount with their own funds, and the project must be completed within two years.

But the council isn’t leaving applicants in the dark. They’ve organised workshops and one-on-one consultations to guide potential applicants through the process. “We want to ensure that everyone has the chance to apply, regardless of their experience with restoration projects,” says Dr. Alexia Pace, head of the Malta Arts Council’s restoration unit.