The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) has authorised the construction of the first Crafts Incubation Centre in Gozo, which includes an extension to the present Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts in Ghajnsielem.

This Ministry for Gozo project is aimed towards boosting the crafts sector in Gozo, a sector that could provide more job opportunities on the island, the government said. The project is being financed under the Structural Programme for Malta 2004-2006, specifically under the European Regional Development Fund, involving the investment of €800,000.

The Incubation Centre project will see the construction of several units that will be utilised by local craftsmen who would like to set up a crafts-related business. Together with these units, the project includes several workshops, a multi-purpose hall and administrative space for the expansion of the Wistin Camilleri Centre for Art and Crafts.

Phase one of the implementation stage has been concluded until now, including the analysis of mechanical and electrical services needed for the whole project. Together with the infrastructural element, the project involves the carrying out of a study that identified the structure needed for the certification of local crafts, which has been concluded recently.

Earlier this year, the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts issued a call for applications for 15 crafts courses that will be held at the centre during the remaining academic year, and that will be funded by the European Social Fund.