Shapes 2nd Edition

A PLANNING AUTHORITY PUBLICATION

ISSUE 2 - OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2018

A PLANNING AUTHORITY PUBLICATION OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2018

FOREWORD

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Outstanding works get recognised in the third edition of Malta Architect Awards

Conserving the gallarija in Marsamxett

Hidden treasures of Valletta’s East End

Ready, steady... grow

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reating Liveable Spaces’ which was the theme of this year’s Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) conference and which has now established itself as an annual event served as a platform for discussing and finding solutions to the challenges that lie ahead. People want and have a right to live in places and spaces that are affordable, vibrant, accessible and healthy. Integrated spatial planning is one reliable way of achieving this. The conference provided us with various international experts who shared their experiences as to how Malta can be innovative to plan for growth, whilst taking into account social and environmental needs and available financing mechanisms.

For us to create liveable places we also need to ensure that the quality design of our built environment keeps improving and reaches new heights. For this reason over the past three years we have organised the Malta Architect Awards in collaboration with iMNG. We believe that giving recognition to quality architecture and design serves to instigate amongst the local profession of architects a vigour and drive to raise the bar and present projects that excel in quality design and context adaptability.

It is also our responsibility and duty to help and support the regeneration of derelict areas. Over the coming months we are providing funding opportunities for residents living in the Marsamxett area of Valletta to restore and rehabilitate their balconies. This is part of a wider EU funded project to regenerate and upgrade this area of our Capital City.

We promise to keep working at finding innovative solutions and opportunities to make our towns and villages places that provide a quality of life to all.

Johann Buttigieg The BIG debate

Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority

Baroque Palazzo in Attard given highest protection status

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OUTSTANDING WORKS GET RECOGNISED IN THE THIRD EDITION OF

MALTA ARCHITECT AWARDS

URBAN DESIGN AWARD The Award was won by Perit Keith Cole for Binja Laparelli, a new building within the Central Bank of Malta complex in Valletta.

The new building was approached as a sensitive insertion within a very restricted space embedded within the fortifications and without intruding on the fortification lines as viewed from outside. The choice of materials is also commendable with the ample use of local globigerina limestone, local hardstone and travertine which complement the fortifications.

FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE MALTA ARCHITECT AWARDS WAS A SHOWCASE FOR OUTSTANDING WORKS IN THE ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSION. THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY, WHICH WAS HELD AT HILTON MALTA IN ST JULIAN’S. The awards initiative, which is a collaboration between the Planning Authority and event organisers iMNG Ltd, saw 68 projects compete for nine award categories.

REHABILITATION AND CONSERVATION AWARD The Award was won by Perit Edwin Mintoff for the rehabilitation and conservation of Domus Żammitello, a palatial 17th century townhouse in Valletta. The property lies on a landmark corner site along Republic Street and adjoining Old Opera House ruins. The meticulous restoration of the interiors, and the main reception room with the decorative suspended soffit and the courtyard, were commended. The exterior façades and the new extension were respectful of the surrounding urban context, contributing significantly to the urban renewal of Valletta.

Two special commendations were awarded to Perit Edward Said for the Restoration of the royal gazebo within Villa Frere and Dr Antoine Zammit for the sensitive restoration of a small townhouse in Mellieħa.

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PUBLIC OPEN SPACES AWARD This Award was won by Perit Eric Gerardi for the Triton Square project in Valletta. The area was transformed from a chaotic bus terminus to a fully-pedestrianised open space enriching the entrance to the capital city.

Two special commendations were given to Perit Edward Scerri for the network of Leisure Parks in Xagħra and the Divine Mercy Cemetery in Nadur Gozo.

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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AWARD Perit Joe Cassar and Perit Philip Micallef won this award for their project at Is-Suq tal-Belt. This project relates to the rehabilitation of the derelict Valletta market hall. The regeneration scheme is inspired by the original Zimelli market place from the mid-19th century, transforming it into a thriving commercial hub in the centre of Valletta.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS The Award was won by Perit Rebecca Zammit for The Long House residence in Żurrieq. The project is an excellent design solution that transformed the restricted space with a successful juxtaposition of different materials and through suspended soffits.

A special commendation was given to Architect Daniele Milgiorisi for Anthea Preziosi outlet in Ragusa, Sicily.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS Perit Adrian Mangion from Arch+ Architects design studio won this award for their design of Noni Restaurant in Valletta. The architect managed to create an appealing ambiance within a small space, respecting the historical authenticity of the place.

A special commendation went to Keith Pillow for the Bottone outlet in Milan and Rocksalt restaurant in St Julian’s.

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HOSPITALITY TOURISM ACCOMMODATION AND LEISURE PROJECTS AWARD The award was won by Perit Ray Demicoli for St Paul’s Boutique Hotel in Valletta. The design respected the original structure and celebrated the new interventions with a wonderfully streamlined and sculptural staircase.

This project was considered to be a case study of excellence in the design of boutique hotels, favouring quality over the maximisation of rentable internal space.

A special commendation went to: Perit Simon Grech for the Infame Restaurant in Valletta.

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD Perit Christian Spiteri won this award for The Umbrella House in Kappara. The project adopted a holistic approach integrating high-performance building envelope measures together with energy efficient systems. Emphasis was placed on reducing the need for lighting, heating, and cooling which forms the bulk of energy consumption at home.

A special commendation was given to Dr Edwin Mintoff for the Marsaxlokk Surface Car Park.

EMERGING ARCHITECT AWARD The award was won by Perit Bernard Vella for his project Country Home in Mellieha. The project demonstrates a clear respect for the vernacular character of the original building envelope and rural context.

The winners were selected by a jury made of Maltese and foreign professionals, supported by technical teams of experts in each of the represented fields. For more information visit www.pa.org.mt.

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WORLDRENOWNED ARCHITECTS INVITED TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES THE PLANNING AUTHORITY TOGETHER WITH ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN DESIGN FIRM STUDJURBAN HAVE LAUNCHED THE ARCHITECTURE ALIVE PROJECT. THIS PROJECT AIMS TO FOSTER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, INSPIRE AUDIENCES AND PROVOKE CONVERSATIONS.

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n Saturday 6th October at The Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, one of Austria’s foremost architects Peter Lorenz was invited to give a lecture on the Renaissance of Urbanity — the Responsibility of the Architects. Peter Lorenz spoke about how the focus of the architectural profession should not be about ‘style’ and ‘form’ but living space for human beings, which provides the ideal environment for their unfolding development. Lorenz also touched upon an architect’s ethical responsibilities.

Peter Lorenz’s office has won numerous international competitions and it has been awarded on several occasions for its outstanding projects, ranging from bespoke products to architectural masterpieces and masterplanning.

Through Architecture Alive we hope to support Malta’s flourishing architectural scene by providing insights on contemporary architectural matters and establish a platform that will generate discussion.

The second Architecture Alive event will be held in the Gran Salon at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta on Saturday 24th November 2018. The keynote speaker will be Architect Richard Murphy. His firm has won twenty-two RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Awards, has twice been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize and once for the RIBA Lubetkin Award.

For more information please visit www.architecture-alive.com

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Streets that can benefit from the grant scheme

Conserving the

Gallarija in Marsamxett

THE PLANNING AUTHORITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR EU FUNDS AND SOCIAL DIALOGUE HAS LAUNCHED A €2 MILLION BALCONY GRANT SCHEME FOR RESIDENCES IN THE MARSAMXETT AREA OF THE CAPITAL, VALLETTA.

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he scheme seeks to help alleviate the financial cost of restoring and maintaining traditional balconies, especially those made of timber, in order to encourage their continued use.

The grant scheme is being made available for open and closed balconies within properties that are used as residences. This excludes offices, commercial buildings, non government organisations or religious buildings.

To encourage residents to take up this one time opportunity and help improve the quality of life within this zone, the scheme will fully fund the works associated with the restoration or replacement of the open or timber balconies. The scheme has pledged to cover up to a maximum of €8000 per closed 4 panel timber balcony. This includes the costs for the hiring of scaffolding

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during the works and the installation of double glazing so as to improve the energy efficiency within the property. An applicant will only require planning permission in the form of a DNO if the works include the partial or full replacement of the balcony.

The applicant will need to cover any fees related to local council permits and professional fees of a perit. Eligible works are determined by the date of receipts, which have to be dated not earlier than 1st November 2018.

80% of the grant scheme will be paid through EU funds, while the remaining 20% will be covered by the Planning Authority’s Irrestawra Darek initiative.

The scheme will close on the 31st January 2019 or earlier if the funds are exhausted.

The works relating to the restoration or replacement of the balconies must be completed by 30th September 2019.

ßß Triq San Ġorġ ßß Misraħ Mattia Preti ßß Triq il-Punent ßß Misraħ Indipendenza ßß Triq San Patrizju ßß Sqaq tat-Teatru l-Antik ßß Triq tal-Karmnu ßß Sqaq l-Isqof ßß Triq l-Għajnuna ßß Triq San Mikiel ßß Triq San Karlu ßß Triq il-Gendus ßß Triq Sant’ Anna ßß Triq San Ġużepp ßß Triq Marsamxett ßß Triq il-Għajn ßß Triq San Bastjan Parts of ßß Triq Zekka ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq ßß Triq

San Mark San Ġwann Santa Luċija tat-Teatru l-Antik l-Arċisqof San Kristofru San Duminku l-Ifran id-Dejqa San Nikol l-Isptar it-Tramuntana it-Turġien l-Ajkla

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DISCOVER THE ARCHITECTURE AND HIDDEN TREASURES OF

Valletta’s East End THE PLANNING AUTHORITY’S POPULAR MONTHLY ARCHITECTUIRE AND HERITAGE PLANNING TOUR WILL THIS YEAR TAKE PARTICIPANTS TO THE CAPITAL CITY VALLETTA. NOT THROUGH THE BUSY AND WELL KNOWN AREAS BUT THROUGH THE STREETS WHICH ONCE WERE VALLETTA’S GATEWAY.

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id you know that back in the time of the knights the easiest way of getting into Valletta was through Porta Marina? This single arch gate was in the time of the British replaced by what we know as the Victoria Gate.

At the time, this area of Valletta, better known as the Ta’ Liesse area was one of the busiest parts of Valletta. Ships used to berth close by, bringing produce from Italy and Gozo, and the shops which lined Marina Street used to be a hive of activity, with wholesalers supplying the other shops in Valletta.

Although only a shadow of its past, today this area is slowly being regenerated.

Tucked away from the busy streets of Valletta, the Ta’ Liesse area contains an array

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of baroque buildings, palazzos and extensive fortifications built by the Order of the Knights.

So if you are interested in Malta’s cultural heritage and architecture, why not join us on our monthly educational Sunday Tour. The tour will also focus on interesting aspects of traditional construction features, practices in historic and current urban heritage planning and examples of different buildings typical of the time when they were built amongst others.

The tour is led by professionals in the field of Heritage Planning and Conservation.

If you are interested book a place through telephone no. 2290 2021/9942 5222 or send an email on tours@pa.org.mt. Places are on a first come first serve basis.

A €3 fee will be charged per

participant. The fee will be donated to the Malta Autism Centre.

The tour will leave from in front of the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana. The tour starts at 09:00hrs sharp and will end by 12:30hrs.

DATES OF TOURS ßß ßß ßß ßß ßß ßß

October 28th November 18th December 9th January 27th February 24th March 24th

ßß April 28th ßß May 19th

Authority actively participates in the Erasmus+ Programme. This is a European Union exchange programme which allows employees to experience job shadowing in other European Countries.

In the past years, over 50 Authority employees gained extensive experience in ten countries, mainly the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, France, Austria, Denmark and Italy.

They covered specialised areas, such as Spatial Planning, Customer Care, ICT, Mapping, Land Surveying, Forward Planning, and Development Services. Employees gained more knowledge and a better understanding of different working methodologies. Cross fertilisation of ideas and direct hands-on training in different countries is deemed to be extremely beneficial for both the person and the organisation.

READY, STEADY...

GROW

Peter Paul Muscat, Tribali

THE PLANNING AUTHORITY IS A STRONG BELIEVER IN INVESTING IN ITS EMPLOYEES. THE ORGANISATION IS AT THE FOREFRONT IN PROVIDING TRAINING, JOB SHADOWING AND ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ITS WORKFORCE COUPLED WITH FAMILY FRIENDLY MEASURES.

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hat is the secret to keeping a ‘happy’ environment at ones workplace?

Is it installing a good coffee machine, shower rooms, hotdesking, a soccer table? Many organisations today are reevaluating how the office space can be more dynamically used to motivate their employees and drive growth. But one of the key factors to employees’ ‘happiness’ at their workplace is something you cannot physically see or touch when you look around the office.

For years, at the forefront of effective human resource management, has been the need

Upon their return to Malta they act as multipliers, because they share the knowledge that they gain with their team mates.

The Planning Authority’s success in lifelong learning has been certified through the award of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Charter.

TRAINING In 2017, the PA’s employees were exposed to over 7,400 hours of training and development. This is set to keep increasing with the PA being awarded EU funds for a training programme it has put together for its own staff and other stakeholders. This will ensure that the organisation’s human resource capacity can have the necessary know-how and skills to effectively continue implementing the necessary measures and steps to sustain the

Authority’s ambition to become a lead player in the public sector.

As for all statutory consultees, including local councils the training will enable them to be in a better position to participate in the planning process. Training courses will cover various thematic areas including Operational Management, Strategic Policy Making, Architectural Design, Customer Care, ICT and Communications, amongst others. This will render both the Planning Authority and all statutory consultees more efficient and user friendly in terms of public service delivery.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY In October, the Planning Authority organised a professional development day at the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra. The day kicked off with a motivational session

Keynote speaker Nathan Farrugia

for organisations to provide opportunities for its workforce to develop and grow within both the organisation and their personal lives. This factor remains central for an organisation to retain its most valuable talent.

Over these past few years, the Authority has introduced new opportunities and initiatives for its employees to turn it into an organisation where people are valued and given the space to grow.

JOB SHADOWING As part of its drive to invest in employees and further develop its human resources, the Planning

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Mario Mallia

Dr Ġorġ Mallia

Paul Vincenti

by keynote speaker and CEO of Ultimate Performance, Nathan Farrugia. Nathan spoke about the need for self-motivation and do something about the things that we are unhappy with. During the day, employees were invited to attend four out of the six different workshops that were on offer. The workshops covered key areas to improve one’s skills both on a personal level and at the workplace. International trainer Paul Vincenti carried out workshops in Principles of Negotiations and Leadership in Practice. In his workshops Managing Director of Mediacoop John Mallia spoke about Time & Office Management and Presentation techniques, while Richard Grant and Jessica Vaughan from Plymouth City Council spoke

about new methods of engaging the public in the planning process.

Dr Ġorġ Mallia from the University of Malta gave employees a workshop on Communication skills. A session was dedicated to employees to share their experiences on job shadowing opportunities they participated in.

The Maltese band Tribali closed off the day with a Rhythm and Beat workshop for all employees.

awarded a sponsorship to 17 of its employees who already completed the Certificate in Spatial Planning and have started the Diploma course.

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ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT As part of its succession planning programme, the Authority teamed up with the Faculty for the Built Environment, at the University of Malta, for the introduction of a number of courses in Spatial Planning at certificate, diploma and degree levels. The Authority

FAMILY FRIENDLY MEASURES The Authority is a firm believer that employees need to have a healthy balance between work obligations and family demands. In practice, the Authority provides the facility of flexi-time for all its employees while a significant number telework or work on reduced hours.

The Authority also provides its employees with financial incentives for them to travel to and from work using green travel measures.

For more information about career opportunities at the Planning Authority visit www.pa.org.mt

the

BIG debate

THE SECOND EDITION OF THE MALTA ARCHITECTURE AND SPATIAL PLANNING (MASP) CONFERENCE BROUGHT TOGETHER A LINE UP OF KEY EXPERTS TO DEBATE AND FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE URBAN CHALLENGE OF CREATING LIVEABLE SPACES.

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ith the Island’s economic growth and population fast expanding, planning considerations are coming under increased pressure. People may be growing concerned that this progress will come at the expense of their quality of life. The challenge, which was the focus of the conference, is to ensure we create cities where people want to live — vibrant spaces where shops, jobs, affordable social facilities and open spaces are easily accessible, and where planning the physical city takes

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account of its social, economic and environmental development.

Various experts from different countries and organisations, came to Malta to share their experiences, as to how Malta can think differently and be innovative to meet to plan for growth, while taking into account social and environmental needs and available financing mechanisms.

Key note speaker Architect Elizabeth de Portzempark presented her vision on how a new generation of high-rise buildings can provide solutions. She spoke about how a proposed “fourth

generation skyscrapers” project she is working on in Taiwan, nicknamed the “Intelligent Operation Centre”, is to be a manifesto defined by openness, integration into the city context and a micro neighbourhood units, conducive to developing human intelligence.

Dr Mary Keeling from IBM, Tom Bridges from ARUP and Stephen Hilton from Bristol Futures GlobaL talked about the importance of data, digital technology and innovation to driving new economic, environmental and social opportunities. They answered questions about the challenges

associated with growth and how Planners will increasingly need to become “masters of complexity”.

The aspect of funding mechanisms to improve the quality of our liveable space was also addressed. Mr David Sislen from the World Bank, Mr Gerald Muscat from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Ms Angelique Spina from PWC (Malta) spoke about how financing from a variety of sources, can transform the environment that we live in.

The challenges Malta faces are consistent with work that institutions, such as the World Bank and EIB, are doing within Europe and more broadly: helping to think about sustainable urban transportation, managing urban expansion and preventing sprawl, better leveraging urban assets to promote urban regeneration, and developing smart cities which are more resilient and can deliver on their potential to be drivers of growth.

Keynote speaker Architect Elizabeth de Portzempark

The environmental dimension in the context of habitable places for people was addressed by Mr Mark Atherton from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Mr Jacco Schuurkamp from the Department of City Management in The Hague, David Harley from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Prof.

Andrew Azzopardi from the University of Malta. Faced with a

high population density within an urbanised context, the speakers spoke about the challenge Malta has to maintain an environment of excellent quality and support a high level of well-being for its population.

The speakers explored how we can integrate environmental and social objectives as determining components in the design of cities and urban areas that can support long-term economic prosperity.

The conference closed off with a Round Table discussion on A vision for the future: Planning for 2050.

The panel composed of Dr Owen Bonnici, Dr Marthese Portelli, Perit Simone Vella Lenicker and Architect John Acres President of the Royal Town Planning Institute spoke about the fact that past mistakes are an opportunity for learning as well as for mitigation and how responsible citizenship is a must for sustainability to become a reality.

The panel agreed that it is crucial to listen and take on board the public’s views, dreams and aspirations but more importantly there needs to be a political consensus for the difficult issues to get resolved and to implement a vision for 2050.

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Bringing it back to its former glory THE ĊENTRU SANTU ROKKU, IN VALLETTA, BOASTS GREAT HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND OFFERS AN IMPORTANT SAFE SPACE TO SOCIALIZE FOR THE CITY’S YOUNG PEOPLE. NOW, THE BUILDING’S FULL RESTORATION IS KICKING OFF SHORTLY THANKS TO THE PLANNING AUTHORITY FULLY FUNDING THE PROJECT THROUGH ITS DEVELOPMENT PLANNING FUND.

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entru Santu Rokku is a Church property (St Paul Shipwreck Collegiate Parish) located at 196, St Ursula Street, Valletta. Apart from holding and serving the social needs of the Valletta community, the property also holds great historical worth. In the 18th century, it was owned by one of the foundations of the ‘Soladita dei Preti’, ‘Naves’. In the 1950s the property had passed to the Order of the Knights of Malta, from where they operated the service of a Blood Bank while also serving as their headquarters. Once the Blood Bank was moved to another location, the Order also transferred its headquarters to a new venue in the proximity of Our Lady of the Victories church. In the 1990s the parish initiated its pastoral work from this premises to serve the community of the area and its surroundings.

The property is currently being used as a youth centre, known as Teen Klabb. Teen Klabb was launched by Tabgħa Foundation. Its main aim has been that of creating a safe social space and providing academic help to teens in Valletta and the surrounding region. Here volunteers assist youth with their homework and schoolwork, while empowering them with social and life skills.

Additional activities for the teens are also held, like movie evenings, outings, crafts, cooking and liveins. The volunteers also try and impart useful life skills and spiritual values. At Teen Klabb, teens are given the opportunity to interact with other teens while being monitored by helpers such as teachers, counsellors, and social/youth workers. The main objective is to give the youth of the area a sense of empowerment and provide preventive care.

KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE The property which possibly belonged at first to a wealthy family, was built according to the traditional style of the time, having a large open courtyard.

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A generously proportioned staircase in the yard leads to the upper levels, including the sala nobile, whilst a stone spiral staircase connects the back rooms on all floors and was most likely intended for use by the servants of the household. It contains various alterations carried out in more recent times, including the division of the property into a number of tenements and the replacement of a wrought-iron balcony with that of timber. The façade holds certain simple architectural elements, namely the mouldings around the doors and windows, the wrought iron railing of the open balcony and the balcony corbels.

One also finds a bust and a coat of arms mounted on top of the main entrance. The book and the sword depicted on the coat of arms are the common attributes of Saint Paul. A wordy inscription below the bust reads ‘FUNDATIO NIS. NAVES. 1749.’

THE PROJECT The property is now in need of intense restoration works due to the bad condition of the façade, in particular the wooden apertures. Internally, there is need to renovate the courtyard, masonry staircase, cellar, Sala Nobile and the cleaning of the walls and ceilings.

The Planning Authority and the Valletta Local Council signed an agreement for the PA to fully fund the restoration of Ċentru Santu Rokku in Valletta. Once restored, the centre, which is an old palazzino will provide the city’s young people with a safe social space for them to receive the necessary skills and mentoring to cope with life’s pressures.

The Planning Authority will be financing up to €288,000. Development Planning Fund Committee Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar said that: “This project, which the Planning Authority will be

financing, is one of the best examples of how we wish the Fund to be utilised. Through this project, we have seen how this fund can serve to improve the social and community life within the locality.

We know the challenges faced by today’s youth are large and therefore the restoration project will certainly create a safe social space for these youth.”

HOW THE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING FUND HELPS The purpose of the development planning fund is to widen the scope for funding and therefore give greater flexibility to what projects can qualify.

This fund assists local councils, NGOs, government agencies and any interested party to create small and large projects within a locality that can enhance the quality of life within Malta’s towns and villages.

This fund sees its financing coming from 70 per cent of the contribution developers have to pay when they do not provide car parking spaces within their development. In addition, 20 per cent of the revenue generated through applications for the regularisation of development is also being directed to the fund.

This combination is making more funds available for locality community projects. “The property hosts a number of community services: teaching catechism to boys; formation and personal development for women; and a youth centre ‘Teen Klabb’. The project to restore the damaged façade, courtyard, and rooms as well as to take full advantage of the existing space is vital to enhance our services. This would not be possible without the Development Planning Fund in collaboration with the Valletta Local Council. Our grateful thanks go to all the people involved as they were very helpful in guiding us to obtain the funding,” said Project Leader and Tabgħa Foundation volunteer Maurizio Lapira.

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Online Services

Baroque Palazzo in Attard given highest protection status 22 •

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n 18th century baroque Palazzo and its surrounding gardens situated in the heart of Attard’s village core has been given the highest protection status as a Grade 1 property by the Planning Authority.

Villa Barbaro which is a single storey property has been scheduled for its significant architectural and historical importance. The property was built by the Barbaro family as a country retreat residence.

The Palazzo’s imposing wide façade, separated into a number of bays by means of pilasters, is furnished with highly decorated windows. The main entrance is flanked by two Tuscan pilasters which act as supports for an overlying open stone balcony.

The most renowned and exceptional feature of the property is the enfilade of reception rooms to the left of the main entrance hall which has been architecturally treated through the use of varying wall thicknesses, so as to create a straight axis eliminating the pronounced façade splay.

Over the past years, the Planning Authority through the Irrestawra Darek grant scheme twice assisted owners of scheduled properties to lessen the financial burden when carrying out restoration and conservation works within their property.