Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1284566
3.9.2020 10 TOWNSCAPES OVER the past few years, Valletta has been busy in its regeneration. Numer- ous courageous projects have given the city back its renewed sense of pride. ere is an expectation that the city is fast becoming a place where to live again and where culture, gastronomy, art, entertainment and hospitality con- verge, turning it into a destination. However, one of the noblest of pro- jects which are currently on-going within the capital and is happening with the least funfair, is the restoration and rehabilitation of the old refecto- ry, which lies within the convent of the Franciscan Friary in Ursula Street. rough the financial support of the Planning Authority, works which are in their final phase are being carried out to turn the place into a 'Soup kitchen' – a place of hope for persons who are living on the fringe of society. e project, which is being admin- istered by the Franciscan Order, will provide a place of respite for people who are 'suffering in silence'. Besides offering these people a daily meal and other physical needs, the place will also provide such persons with support and care, especially for those suffering from mental health issues. Most important- ly, the place seeks to give people who are marginalised by society the chance to regain their dignity. e project includes the setting up of the main hall as a dining area, a kitch- en for the preparation of the food, a small office, storage, a small laundry and public convenience facilities. Once open, the soup kitchen will operate three days a week but will eventual- ly expand its operations to five days a week. The project has received a finan- cial grant of €303,000 from the PA's Development Planning Fund (DPF). Perit Vincent Cassar, Chairperson of the DPF said, "This project continues to show the Authority's commitment to supporting public community pro- jects which seek to improve the so- cial and community life of residents within any given locality. This project, which is the brainchild of Fr Marcel- lino and the Franciscan Order, serves not only as a place for people who are struggling to get a decent meal, but gives people on the fringe of society precious time to respite and relax, where they feel safe and comfortable and are part of a community. This is a noble project." e Development Planning Fund was established in 2017 and has, over the past years, financed over €13 mil- lion in community projects across the Maltese Islands. e fund promotes projects that are of a social nature, to- gether with projects that embellish ur- ban areas for the benefit of the wider residential community. In June 2020, the Planning Authority widened the scope of the Development Planning Fund, as a means to encour- age local councils, NGOs and other bodies to propose innovative Green and Blue Infrastructure Projects with- in our urban areas. Advantageous funding conditions are being given for projects that promote a sustainable ecology, the health of the community and a vision for long-term success. Funding has also been intro- duced to cover a five-year maintenance plan. e Planning Development Fund receives financing from a few differ- ent sources, with on-street parking fees being the most significant among them. Planning gains also make up a portion of the fund, whereby a devel- oper of a sizeable new development is asked to make a financial contribution for the inconvenience caused in the locality where their development oc- curs. Also, a proportion of the revenue generated through applications for the regularisation of development is being directed to the fund. e contribution is allocated to the locality where the development permit has been granted, for it to be used on projects that improve community fa- cilities and green areas. For more information visit www. pa.org.mt Dining with dignity PA-funded Franciscan Soup Kitchen project to be inaugurated later this year