The METIC (Mediterranean trading and Innovation Centre) Project Un’Esperienza nel Mediterraneo (An Experience in the Mediterranean) involved the development of a number of projects, including a regeneration plan for the Cottonera area, particularly Senglea. The project was financed by the EU and the INTERREG IIIA Italia-Malta programme.

The academic project, carried out by the University of Malta (UoM) Mediterranean Institute under the guidance of Dr Simon Mercieca and the Universita’ degli Studi di Palermo, focused on the enhancement of the

economic and cultural aspect of the Cottonera area.

Professor Antonio De Vecchi, Architect S. Calojanni, and Architect Roberta Deletis described this initiative as the development of an open-air museum for the regeneration of Cottonera.

Due to its close proximity to the sea, its prominent fortifications, the resistant structure of its historical buildings, the diversity of its urban environment and the presence of a native culture so characteristic of the southern Mediterranean influenced by different foreign rulers, the Cottonera region has its own particular historical architecture.

It is important to underline that the planning of an open-air museum should not only preserve the historical landscape but also provide an attractive landmark for both tourists and citizens.

Tourism is one of Malta’s primary economic resources and this project was intended to find a way of increasing the population of Senglea through the restoration of its cultural patrimony and a regeneration plan for more commercial activities.

This is a project that can be developed with the maximisation of profits, the best environmental policies, and the conservation of historical and cultural heritage, Dr Mercieca said.

Unlike other development plans for the Cottonera area and Grand Harbour, this project focuses on the maintenance and guardianship of its historical and cultural patrimony.

Senglea has very few historical landmarks, and as such is not a tourist attraction.

This is why a number of modifications have been outlined. These include the conservation of the area’s historical heritage, improving the quality of life of Senglea’s citizens, organising the transport system, developing tourism with particular attention to young people visiting the area, the provision of commercial centres and an information centre.

The plan proposes that local material and technical resources should be used to preserve the architecture of the area.

The project outlines four zones in the Cottonera area that each presents a different aspect.

ZONE A

This zone includes a large part of Senglea and is characterised by the panoramic view of the Valletta fortifications and Fort St Angelo across Grand Harbour.

A path rises from the promenade of Triq L-Arkati to give a panoramic view of Vittoriosa.

At the top of the stairs at the side of the bastions, which cross an underground passage, is a small garden and a watchtower situated at the entrance of the creek.

ZONE B

This is an organised urban district, with streets running down to the sea. Triq is-Serena, which runs parallel to the sea and which is rich in vernacular architecture, would be ideal for the development of

commercial activities of any type – from the more utilitarian to shops specialising in

luxury goods.

The path that leads to the sea, with its urban design and several paved areas, could, after restoration, be turned into a leisure area. The blend of commercial activities and the alternating ascending and descending slopes across the alleyways could easily be the ultimate tourist attraction

ZONE C

There are some significant landmarks in this area, including the Machina (former headquarters of the MLP), the rest of the fortifications, the parish church of Santa Maria delle Vittorie and the square between the downhill slope of Triq 31 Marzu and the No. 1 Dock area.

The structure of the square, the restoration of the Machina and the renovation of the existing bar could result in this area becoming a very popular centre.

ZONE D

St Paul’s church, which was built in 1741, is situated at the end of St Paul’s street. Opposite the church are a number of typical Maltese residences, characterised by the presence of wood-framed windows.

The structure of the No.1 Dock area makes it ideal for commercial activities based on restoration and culture, such as an open-air Maltese and Mediterranean maritime museum, as well as a research-study centre on the subject.

These measures were taken into consideration for two reasons: to attract more tourists to Senglea and to enhance the quality of life of the town’s residents from the economic

perspective.