The Planning Authority has successfully completed all the works on the restoration scheme of the balconies in the lower part of Valletta. This was announced by the Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and by the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that this scheme offered residents living in the Marsamxett area the one-time opportunity to obtain funds for works associated with the restoration or replacement of the open balconies or wood, as well as doors, windows and apertures to improve the aesthetic value of our capital city. The minister concluded that the aim of the scheme was to, apart from incorporating the needs of the communities of Marsamxett, preserve the unique character of the City dominated by the beauty of the Maltese balconies.
The Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett said that through European funds two calls for applications were issued under the ‘Marsamxett Balcony’ scheme, with an investment of around €700,000 from the European Fund for Regional Development.
“With this scheme, the residents of the City were given the possibility to apply for funds to carry out works for the restoration of their balconies where with the assistance of the European funds we helped to also pay the professional fees of ‘ architect, the costs for hiring scaffolding during the works as well as the installation of double glazing. With this investment we have continued to beautify this area in our capital city”, said Dr Bonett.
Oliver Magro, Chairperson of the Executive Council within the Planning Authority, said that when you walk in many parts of Valletta, one can feel a sense of pride. “We are seeing our capital as one of the most desirable destinations in Malta because we manage to marry culture, art, entertainment and hospitality all at once”, said Mr Magro. Funding has been made available to qualifying residents, excluding offices, commercial buildings, non-governmental organizations or religious buildings. Fifty-nine properties benefited from this scheme which resulted in an investment of €700,000 in Marsamxett alone. Mr. Magro praised this project as another successful project for the authority and said, “Finally, I feel proud that through this scheme we managed to achieve two important factors; that of continuing to preserve the architecture, as well as we have managed to improve the lives of several families with a social dimension who live in this area.”
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi said that over the past years, the Planning Authority has been at the forefront of providing financial grants to assist property owners in restoring the facade of their residences. , including the traditional Maltese balcony.
Photographs (DOI/MPWP/MEFL_PS)
