The Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Ian Borg, today launched an International Design Competition for the Gozo Museum.

This innovative project is being carried out in collaboration with Heritage Malta. The Ministry for Gozo has applied for European funds for the implementation of this project.

The Gozo Museum Project concerns an innovative multi-disciplinary regional museum and cultural centre for the island of Gozo. The establishment of a Gozo Museum is Heritage Malta's vision for museum attractions on Gozo.

The Government said that this project also fulfils its commitment to make Gozo a distinct tourist destination through the provision of a fresh and novel visitor attraction, in line with excellence and best practices in the international sector concerning museums and conservation.

Minister Refalo said the venue selected for this project is part of the old building of the former Ninu Cremona Lyceum in Victoria. This building was built on a design by Joseph G. Huntingford in the fifties and is an important part of the most recent architectural heritage of our country.

When a few years ago the old school was demolished to provide space for a new school, Heritage Malta made a request to take over the few buildings remaining from this complex to safeguard this architectural heritage and make use of it again.

The Minister said that the Regional Museum for Gozo will be a key project in the cultural tourism sector in Gozo over the coming years.

Dr Refalo reiterated the importance and awareness of heritage, which is a support for the island's economy. He mentioned the educational role for the new museum, which will enable students to recognise, respect and love the priceless heritage of this island. "It is therefore advantageous that the new museum will be at the core of the educational complex of the island," he said.

Secretary Parliamentary Ian Borg said the, Gozo Museum project may be considered for European Union part-financing through Operational Programme I – Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges – Cohesion Policy 2014-2020.

He said that the aim of these projects is to look to the living environment and enhancing investment in natural and cultural assets.

The Gozo Museum Project, has proposed an amount of more than € 4 million. Currently the process of evaluation and selection for this and other projects that applied under the call, is underway, explained the Parliamentary Secretary.

For more information on the Gozo Museum International Design Contest, please see here.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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