An 18th century chapel in Qormi has been inaugurated after an €68,000 restoration project mostly funded by the Planning Authority. 

Works on the chapel, dedicated to St Francis of Paola in Qormi, were carried out by the Qormi Local Council and funded by the Planning Authority as part of its Environment Initiative Partnership Programme (EIPP).

PA board chairman Vincent Cassar said the council initiative to restore and conserve an important historical landmark in the heart of the village should serve as a template for other localities to take on similar projects to enrich the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.

The chapel building underwent several restoration works included cleaning, application of biocide, replacement of severely damaged masonry elements and stone repair.  

Built in 1707, the church of St Francis of Paola was designed by local architect Indrì Psaila. The plan of the chapel is centralised having one altar and topped by a cupola that acts as the main lighting source of the building.

The aim of the EIPP is to enhance and protect Malta's natural environment and cultural heritage using funds secured through what is known as 'planning gain'.

Planning gain is often sought by the authority as a means of social, environmental and economic benefits to the community as a compensation for impacts that may result from a particular development, which impacts cannot be reasonably mitigated.