The Malta Independent 10 February 2025, Monday
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Floriana population decline worries local council

Thursday, 16 January 2025, 15:04 Last update: about 24 days ago

The Floriana local council said Thursday it is its duty to address the challenge of population decline in the locality and take the lead in offering solutions to achieve meaningful regeneration for the locality.

Addressing a press conference, mayor Nigel Holland provided an overview of the current situation in Floriana while recalling the tragic event of January 16, 2000, when a house in Capuchin Street collapsed, claiming the life of Riccardo Cesare. He emphasized the importance of remembering this incident while acknowledging the current challenges Floriana faces, particularly the ongoing decrease in population.

Holland noted that Floriana is experiencing challenges, including developments that disregard the Local Council's position and that of the Planning Authority's Local Plan for Floriana which is tasked to ensure that residential buildings are not converted into commercial properties. He warned that at this rate, in the coming years, Floriana will primarily consist of office buildings and hotels, with few, if any, residents.

The population of Floriana has decreased by two-thirds compared to the period following World War II.

Holland stressed that any development in Floriana must be carefully planned to strengthen the community and prioritize the well-being of residents before considering other major projects.

Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul said that during the last Council meeting, a policy paper was presented to outline a new policy framework for addressing this challenge. He stated that the document will explore incentives to promote regeneration in Floriana, emphasizing that the situation requires extraordinary measures to address the extraordinary challenges. This can be achieved with the support of the relevant authorities and the government.

Ellul pointed out that other localities in the Grand Harbour region face similar challenges, particularly those bordering the port, and it is essential for Floriana to lead by example with policies that safeguard its identity, as well as that of the region and its neighbouring communities.

The document also examines the potential opportunities and the current challenges present in the locality within the context of regeneration.

Deputy Mayor Ellul stressed that this policy paper would be presented for consultation with Floriana's residents, as the Council gives huge importance to consultation, it a must to lead by example, and also aims to develop policies that reinforce the locality's identity and future.

Speakers at the conference expressed hope that this document would be approved during the next Floriana Local Council meeting.

Councillor Justine Palmier was also present at the press conference.


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