Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1371118
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 12 MAY 2021 NEWS TOWNSCAPES Operational Programme I – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 "Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges" Advert part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Co-financing rate: Public Eligible (80% European Union; 20% National Funds) ANNOUNCEMENT – 12th May 2021 Business Enhance ERDF Grant Schemes Open Rolling Calls – Cut-off dates Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges The Measures and Support Division within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), designated by the Managing Authority for Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 as the Intermediate Body responsible for administering aid schemes for enterprises under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014 – 2020, would like to announce further cut-off dates for the submission of applications under the Business Enhance ERDF Grant Schemes intiative. The cut-off dates for all the open Calls until end October 2021 are set at noon of the following dates: Call 1 - e-Commerce Grant Scheme Call 3 - Start-up Investment Grant Scheme Call 3 - SME Growth Grant Scheme Call 1 - SME Diversification and Innovation Grant Scheme Call 1 - SME Internationalisation Grant Scheme Call 2 - SME Consultancy Services Grant Scheme 31 May 31 August 30 June 30 September 30 July 29 October In addition to the above, the following open Calls have mid-monthly cut-off dates set at noon of the following dates: Call 1 - e-Commerce Grant Scheme Call 2 - SME Consultancy Services Grant Scheme 14 May 13 August 16 June 17 September 16 July 15 October Further information on these calls including the respective Guidance Notes and the Guidelines for Implementation may be obtained from https://businessenhance.gov.mt or by contacting the Measures and Support Division on msd.eufunds@gov.mt or 2295 7175. Operational Programme I – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 "Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges" Advert part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Co-financing rate: Public Eligible (80% European Union; 20% National Funds) ANNOUNCEMENT – 12th May 2021 Business Enhance ERDF Grant Schemes Open Rolling Calls – Cut-off dates Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges The Measures and Support Division within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), designated by the Managing Authority for Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 as the Intermediate Body responsible for administering aid schemes for enterprises under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014 – 2020, would like to announce further cut-off dates for the submission of applications under the Business Enhance ERDF Grant Schemes intiative. The cut-off dates for all the open Calls until end October 2021 are set at noon of the following dates: Call 1 - e-Commerce Grant Scheme Call 3 - Start-up Investment Grant Scheme Call 3 - SME Growth Grant Scheme Call 1 - SME Diversification and Innovation Grant Scheme Call 1 - SME Internationalisation Grant Scheme Call 2 - SME Consultancy Services Grant Scheme 31 May 31 August 30 June 30 September 30 July 29 October In addition to the above, the following open Calls have mid-monthly cut-off dates set at noon of the following dates: Call 1 - e-Commerce Grant Scheme Call 2 - SME Consultancy Services Grant Scheme 14 May 13 August 16 June 17 September 16 July 15 October Further information on these calls including the respective Guidance Notes and the Guidelines for Implementation may be obtained from https://businessenhance.gov.mt or by contacting the Measures and Support Division on msd.eufunds@gov.mt or 2295 7175. iAS – Innovative Architectural Structures WE ARE HIRING FINISHES SITE CO-ORDINATOR e ideal candidate should have experience in the management of finishing works and possess strong communication and co-ordination skills. If you are interested in joining kindly submit a CV to info@ias.com.mt JAMES DEBONO ENVIRONMENT minister Aar- on Farrugia may have jumped the gun on announcing a "multi-mil- lion" upgrade to Santa Venera's Romeo Romano gardens, because by enjoying the highest level of protection it is still being assessed by the Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage. Last week Farrugia, for whom Sta Venera and Hamrun are part of his first district constituency, presented photomontages of a playground in a section of the gar- den presently closed to the public. A mixed reactin on social media followed, some welcoming the re- opening of a closed section while others who grew up in the area expressing concern on the formal- isation of a unique garden, and that the 'disneyfying' playground would jar with its quiet, contem- plative atmosphere. Yet the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has confirmed it is holding discussions on the pro- posal with architects to "ensure that the development respects the architectural and historical value of the scheduled garden". But it is still awaiting for a masterplan for the restoration and rehabilitation of the scheduled gardens. "The Superintendence has dis- cussed the general thrust that such a project should consider from a cultural heritage perspec- tive with the project architects and is awaiting a master plan for the restoration and rehabilitation of the scheduled gardens that re- flect these discussions. Until then the Superintendence cannot com- ment any further,"a spokesperson told MaltaToday. Plans already foresee the res- toration of a historic building, currently abandoned, to serve as a "kitchen garden" similar to the one in San Anton Gardens. The permit for the building's restora- tion is presently limited to its use as an educational facility. Apart from approving the res- toration of the building to serve as a community centre, another permit was issued to install public toilets. The ministry has said the devel- opment of a playground does not even require a planning permit as these will be covered by a DNO (development notification order). An amendment to DNO rules ap- proved earlier this year exempts green infrastructural works, even playing equipment within green- ing projects, from requiring plan- ning permits. This means the ap- plication process will not be open to public consultation. But prior approval is still required from the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage for works in scheduled sites like this one. Prior approval from the Environment and Re- sources Authority is also needed for the uprooting, transplanting, and planting of trees. As announced, the "multimil- lion" project will consist of a chil- dren's play area using natural ma- terials such as wood; a communal garden dedicated to gardening activities for children; and other maintenance work on the walls and historical features such as the 'sienja', the rainwater reservoir, and the 19th-century canal irriga- tion system. A spokesperson for Minister Aaron Farrugia said the ministry had undertook a commitment that trees transplanted from this corner section of the garden will all be retained within the rest of the garden, and new ones added. A veritable 'secret garden' in the middle of a densely populated ar- ea, the Romeo Romano Gardens date back to the 18th century and originally formed part of the gar- den complex of Casa Leoni which presently hosts the environment ministry in Santa Venera. In 1977, the back gardens were sectioned off and opened up to the public. Casa Leoni, which presently hosts the Environment Ministry, was built as a summer residence for Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. SCH awaiting 'masterplan' for Romeo Romano garden Photomontage of the proposed playground presented by Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia