The Planning Authority has launched the next phase of the Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ scheme, with €3.5 million allocated to support the restoration of historic homes, scheduled buildings and traditional village streetscapes across Reġjun Tramuntana.

The scheme, which has been opening across different regions since January, is aimed at regenerating Urban Conservation Areas while helping residents, businesses and NGOs invest in Malta’s built heritage.

Through this latest call, eligible properties in Il-Mellieħa, L-Imġarr, Il-Mosta, In-Naxxar, San Pawl il-Baħar, Ħ’Attard and Ħal Balzan may benefit from support for restoration and maintenance works, provided they fall within the localities’ Urban Conservation Areas.

Funding will cover 100% of eligible costs, including craftsmanship, materials and equipment hire, subject to established caps. These include up to €15,000 for heritage buildings within UCAs, up to €100,000 for Grade 1 scheduled buildings, and up to €50,000 for Grade 2 scheduled buildings.

In cases involving scheduled buildings with multiple owners, individual owners may qualify for up to €15,000 each, while joint applications proposing a full restoration may qualify for the full capped amount.

The 2026 Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ programme forms part of a wider €32 million nationwide investment by the Planning Authority. The scheme builds on previous heritage restoration initiatives which, over the years, have helped safeguard historic buildings, revive traditional craftsmanship and improve the visual character of Malta’s towns and villages.

This extended version of the scheme goes beyond individual homes. It also allows commercial establishments and registered NGOs to participate, with the aim of improving entire streetscapes and village cores rather than isolated façades.

Applications for Reġjun Tramuntana are being handled in two phases. The first phase, an expression of interest, opened on 20 May 2026 at 10:30 and closes on 27 May 2026 at 10:30. Submissions may be made online through the Planning Authority website or in person at the Authority’s Front Desk in Malta or Gozo.

Successful applicants will then proceed to the second phase, where a registered perit will submit the detailed funding request through the Authority’s eApps system, together with the required documents, including plans, photographs, method statements and bills of quantities.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility, planning rules and professional restoration practice. The Authority may close the scheme once the allocated funds are fully committed.

Planning Authority Executive Chairperson Johann Buttigieg said the scheme is about more than restoring individual buildings. It is about protecting the identity and character of Malta’s historic villages, while supporting residents, businesses and communities to improve the urban fabric of Reġjun Tramuntana.

He also noted that the strong response already received confirms the importance people attach to caring for historic buildings and augurs well for the success of the scheme.

Beyond conservation, the initiative is expected to bring social, environmental and economic benefits. Restoring historic buildings encourages adaptive reuse, reduces construction waste, discourages urban sprawl and makes traditional village cores more attractive for both residents and visitors.

In this way, Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ continues to link heritage protection with community regeneration, giving people a direct incentive to preserve the character of their localities while improving the places where they live, work and gather.