Dining with dignity

Over the past few years, Valletta has been busy in its regeneration. Numerous courageous projects have given the city back its renewed sense of pride. There is an expectation that the city is fast becoming a place where to live again and where culture, gastronomy, art, entertainment and hospitality converge, turning it into a destination.

However, one of the noblest of projects which are currently on-going within the capital and is happening with the least funfair, is the restoration and rehabilitation of the old refectory, which lies within the convent of the Franciscan Friary in Ursula Street. Through 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.

The project, which is being administered 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 importantly, the place seeks to give people who are marginalised by society the chance to regain their dignity.

The project includes the setting up of the main hall as a dining area, a kitchen 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 eventually expand its operations to five days a week.

The project has received a financial 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 projects which seek to improve the social and community life of residents within any given locality. This project, which is the brainchild of Fr Marcellino 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.”

The Development Planning Fund was established in 2017 and has, over the past years, financed over €13 million in community projects across the Maltese Islands. The fund promotes projects that are of a social nature, together with projects that embellish urban areas for the benefit of the wider residential community.

The project includes the setting up of the main hall as a dining area, a kitchen for the preparation of the food, a small office, storage, a small laundry and public convenience facilities

In June 2020, the Planning Authority widened the scope of the Development Planning Fund, as a means to encourage local councils, NGOs and other bodies to propose innovative Green and Blue Infrastructure Projects within 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 introduced to cover a five-year maintenance plan.

The Planning Development Fund receives financing from a few different sources, with on-street parking fees being the most significant among them. Planning gains also make up a portion of the fund, whereby a developer of a sizeable new development is asked to make a financial contribution for the inconvenience caused in the locality where their development occurs. Also, a proportion of the revenue generated through applications for the regularisation of development is being directed to the fund.

The contribution is allocated to the locality where the development permit has been granted, for it to be used on projects that improve community facilities and green areas.

For more information visit www. pa.org.mt