Rabat’s Dar Saura will open its doors to the public for the first time this weekend as part of Rabat Sacrum, giving a preview of the Malta Trust Foundation’s plans to transform the site into a National Empowerment Hub for children and youngsters with disabilities.

The opening marks a year since Foundation Chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was symbolically handed the keys by Archbishop Charles Scicluna to the former 17th-century home for the elderly, which is now undergoing extensive restoration.

“The Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub is a beacon of hope for our children and young people with disabilities. This project will not only restore a heritage site to its former beauty, but transform it into a living space where every young person can flourish,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.

Over the past 12 months, workers have cleared more than 100 skips of debris, removed outdated alterations, and carried out structural testing, 3D surveys and energy studies.

The clean-up also led to the significant discovery of a large internal hall and other rooms, that had been blocked with rubble for decades. The space will now be converted into a youth social club and gymnasium as part of the wider project.

In the coming weeks, planning applications for the next phase will be submitted and once approved, full modification works are expected to begin by later this year, with development continuing in phases throughout next year.

The property will cost about €25 million to convert, and the Foundation has embarked on a comprehensive fundraising campaign, and is seeking to strike partnerships with national and international partners, businesses, philanthropic organisations, and the wider community to ensure the place is truly transformed into a national project.

Ms Coleiro Preca explained that Rabat Sacrum, a feast of history and culture, this year offered the Foundation the chance to give the public a unique preview of the potential of the Dar Saura’s sprawling grounds.

This historical building — valued at €25 million and covering an expanse of approx. 7,000 square metres — was handed to the Foundation by the Archdiocese of Malta to serve as a one-stop-shop for families to see their children with disabilities develop their full potential and thrive.

Between Saturday evening and Sunday morning visitors will be able to explore Dar Saura’s historic chapels dedicated to St Nicholas and St Paul; view exhibitions by ArtBeat participants and interfaith schoolchildren; as well as enjoy concerts by young musicians from Villabianca, the Foundation’s Centre for Music and the Arts.

A thrift shop and café run by volunteers will add to the atmosphere.

“The Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub represents a powerful commitment to inclusion, dignity, and opportunity. For all those eagerly awaiting its opening, Dar Saura promises to be a place of joy, empowerment, and a true celebration of ability.”

Dar Saura will be open to the public between 7.30 and 11pm on Saturday, and 9.30am and 1pm on Sunday.