Government reopens historical sites restoration scheme

A scheme through which local councils will be able to identify historical sites within communities which are worth preserving was launched today, by the Justice and Local government minister, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and the Restoration Directorate.

The scheme, which is being opened for the third consecutive year, with see chosen sites restored by the Restoration Directorate, allowing the government to continue “preserving the heritage” in the country and its communities, according to a statement by the ministry.

It said that, through the scheme, local councils will be able to send in their proposals, by filing an application, along with “the necessary details and documentation”.

“These applications will be evaluated by a Committee appointed specifically for this scheme, comprising of several experts in the field together with the Department for Local Government Official,” read a statement by the ministry.

It added that the committee would be taking into consideration the “historical and artistic value, the state of conservation and the visibility of the site or project”.

Applications must reach the Local Government Department by not later than 15 September 2017 at noon.

The ministry said that the, San Gwann tal-Gharghur Chapel in San Gwann, De Rohan Gate in Haz-Zebbug and Santa Luciija’s Chape in Santa Lucija had already benefitted from this scheme in the past years. Moreover, it said that works on the sites chosen following the scheme’s second call for applications would be starting in coming weeks and included, amongst others, Sant’Anna’s Chapel in Marsascala and Hompesch Gate in Haz-Zabbar.