€1 million allocated for restoration of Prime Minister’s residence

Stately home Villa Francia to be opened to the public • Video: Ray Attard

Around a €1 million in EU funds have been allocated for the restoration works at the Prime Minister's residence at Villa Francia, EU funds parliamentary secretary Ian Borg announced.

The project will focus on the restoration of the villa's gardens. 

"We found the gardens at Villa Francia in a disastrous state," the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat said.

"This villa isn’t only of relevance because it is the Prime Ministers residence, but it was built in the 1500s and is part of Malta’s heritage. It would be a shame to leave it as it is," Muscat said. 

The works will include the restoration of the garden's walls and a gazebo at the end of a garden pathway which is currently in a state of ruin.

It will also include the construction of visitors' centre in the garden to encourage tourists to visit the villa.

"This will enhance tourism to Lija, Attard and Balzan, thereby enhancing their economies," Borg said. 

The restoration works are expected to be completed before the end of 2015, and Michelle Muscat said that the project could enter a second phase of restoration afterwards.