Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1295200
15 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 OCTOBER 2020 ŻCOMMERCIAL the courtyard, masonry staircase, cel- lar, Sala Nobile and the cleaning of the walls and ceilings. The project, which is in its final phase, consists of the installation of mechan- ical and electrical services, installation of bathrooms and the laying of tiles and gypsum. At roof level, more restoration works are being carried out and a small exten- sion together with the installation of a lift structure. A number of steel bridges are also being installed. The Planning Authority and the St Paul Shipwreck Collegiate Parish had signed an agreement for the PA to fully finance, up to €347,000, the restoration of Ċentru Santu Rokku in Valletta. Development Planning Fund Com- mittee Chairperson, Vincent Cassar, said "this is another successful project which the Planning Authority is financ- ing. This prestigious building previously lay in a fairly dilapidated state. Through the PA's funding intervention we have supported a good example of thorough conservation, where not only are we renovating and safeguarding a building with many architectural features, but we are also giving the building a new lease of life as it will be providing a ser- vice to the community." How the Development Planning Fund helps Since January 2017, the Planning Au- thority has invested in Malta's quality of life and environmental sustainabil- ity through its Planning Development Fund. The Fund promotes projects that em- bellish urban areas for the benefit of the wider residential community. With financing available to local councils, NGOs and other entities, following re- cent revisions, the Fund is now Malta's most widescale injection of capital in- to projects that, in particular, promote urban greening and support vulnerable sectors of society. In this respect, the Authority is pro- moting cross-organisational partner- ships to encourage the involvement of people with the right expertise, the nec- essary experience and the most innova- tive and informed vision. While most projects are eligible to re- ceive 70% of funds needed to carry out the project, to encourage joint projects between local councils, NGOs or anoth- er entities, the PA has made 100% of eli- gible funds available to projects that are carried out in partnership. Besides partnerships, projects that in- corporate facilities for the disabled will get 80%, and Green and Blue Infrastruc- ture (GBI) inteventions will receive 90%. Moreover, in some cases, green open spaces, such as gardens and green roofs in urban areas, will even be granted up to 100%. This not only includes the capital ex- pediture, but any required studies and a five year maintenance plan. Projects that incorporate vertical green walls overlooking public spaces, such a public garden with walls on ei- ther side, will receive a 5% bonus and if there is need of a development applica- tion it will have its fees waived. The intention is for the community to benefit from a more pleasant aesthetic experience by having 'living walls' of plants dominating vertical planes, rath- er than a garden overlooked by bare walls. With land becoming such a scarcity, this incentive encourages new methods of introducing greenery into Malta's ur- ban environment to purify the air, re- duce ambient temperature and enhance the community's well-being. For more information visit https:// www.pa.org.mt/en/development_plan- ning_fund Santu Rokku in Valletta