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The way we were: Cottonera residents happy to be left out of Malta’s construction boom
Will Cottonera be the next Valletta?

Sarah Micallef

Opinions have been split as residents, expats and longtime visitors to the Malta have seen a marked change in our islands over the years, with areas like Sliema and St Julian’s bearing the brunt of an ongoing construction boom – so much so that certain parts of the popular towns have become unrecognisable!

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Other areas too have benefited from this period of development, albeit with a more sensitive approach. Just look at the capital city of Valletta, which has gone from silent and derelict to alive and booming in a mere few years.

And while reactions vary on what’s best for the islands moving forward, a recent survey commissioned by the Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee has revealed that 61 per cent of residents of the area said they wouldn’t change anything about Cottonera, appreciating the heritage and “peace and quiet” of their hometown.

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The survey comes in the wake of a strategy for the area’s rehabilitation, with proposals including the dilapidated Fort Ricasoli earmarked as a “catalyst for local level development”, the restoration and opening of access to fortifications like the Cottonera and Santa Margerita Lines, as well as a number of restoration and embellishment projects.

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And despite being generally happy with their surroundings – and well, who can blame them? – the survey also shows that Cottonera residents would like “more open spaces, sports facilities and playing fields,” so here’s hoping the strategy takes these into account!

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Oh, and if we could put our two cents in – as lovers of our island home and all she has to offer – here’s hoping that the project takes a measured approach to this beautiful, yet often overlooked, jewel of Maltese heritage.

Valletta’s regeneration has been a success story. Do you think Cottonera could be the next?

19th October 2018



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