Floriana PN Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul has presented the Floriana Regeneration Plan document, which serves as a set of policy guidelines which address the locality's challenges, namely that of a population decline.

Both Labour and independent Local Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the PN's document, which will now be on the Council's agenda.

In a video posted on Facebook, Ellul said that the policy focuses on the challenges of regeneration Floriana faces, but also offers solutions on addressing the problems.

Ellul said that the document looks forward and will consult with Floriana residents to create a policy suitable to face the locality's challenges.

"Local Councils often complain that government authorities do not consult with us. We will practice what we preach, and we will consult with the residents," Ellul said.

He continued that the document is based on research he has conducted himself, as well as other Floriana residents. "We need to preserve the locality's live and rich identity," Ellul said.

Ellul said that it is only Floriana residents who can indicate and offer solutions to the locality's challenges.

"A policy created by Floriana residents for Floriana residents," Ellul said.

The regeneration plan document details that Floriana has long faced significant challenges related to urban development, population decline, and a lack of modern services.

The document said that cities around the world often face similar challenges to those of Floriana, such as population decline, aging infrastructure, and a lack of open spaces, and that several countries have adopted urban regeneration strategies to tackle these issues.

The document outlined examples of local challenges in Floriana, including deteriorating building facades and abandoned commercial properties in Triq Sant'Anna.

It said that this main street is an example of how neglected open spaces and infrastructure affect the communal nature of the urban core.

On the status of Triq Sant'Anna, the document said that while pedestrianization or urban beautification could enhance the street's aesthetics and social use, such initiatives alone cannot drive the locality's regeneration.

"The plan must be part of a broader vision that includes economic and community facilities. Following multiple consultation attempts spanning years, in our last meeting on the project (December 2024), we started receiving some details regarding its development," the document said.

On green and recreational spaces, the document said that despite the many open and public spaces, some of these areas are being used as parking lots, or have been abandoned.

The document suggested that the Jubilee Grove area in Floriana could be transformed into a focal point for recreational and cultural activities, fostering a sense of belonging and reinforcing the locality's identity.

"In 2017, the Local Council agreed to designate this grove as a National Park. It would be beneficial to advocate for this with the relevant authorities and ensure it is included in the area's development. A national grove in the midst of an urban environment could serve as a green lung for neighbouring localities," the plan said.

The Floriana regeneration document also included targeted strategies to encourage property purchases in Floriana.

It suggested financial incentives such as subsidies on property purchases or tax reductions for first-time buyers in areas like Floriana, restoration grants for those purchasing abandoned properties and looking to restore them, and preferential mortgage rates, including agreements with banks to provide lower interest rates for properties in these localities.

The document also suggested awareness campaigns emphasizing the town's unique character and cultural significance, and community involvement in cultural activities to encourage future residents to feel connected to the locality.

The plan proposes the development of facilities and services, such as ensuring proper upkeep of recreational spaces, improvements and funding for educational and healthcare facilities, and enhancing public transport services to improve connectivity to and within the locality.

It also made several recommendations for development, as well as assessments on how feasible it is to demolish and rebuild existing structures.

The document said that large parts of Floriana are classified as cultural and architectural heritage zones, making demolition highly restricted unless a building poses structural dangers.

If demolition is necessary due to safety risks, restoration or reconstruction must respect original architectural features, it said. Overall, local urban development plans for Floriana must prioritise conservation over demolition.

The document also recommended conducting a detailed survey of existing buildings to determine which can be restored and which may require demolition.

It also recommended government and community collaboration, where involving residents and property owners in decision-making can help address concerns more effectively.

New proposals inspired by Forum documents also proposed increased community activities, projects like Local Markets, as well as educational initiatives such as a "Love Where You Live" campaign.

The document also includes a proposal of the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, which can be effectively integrated into the regeneration plan for Floriana.

"Collaboration between all localities forming part of the Grand Harbour can serve as the foundation for a broader plan that includes the creation of recreational and commercial spaces, integration between the Grand Harbour and Floriana and the regeneration of localities surrounding the harbour, such as Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua, along with Valletta," the document said.

The regeneration plan includes the revitalisation of public spaces, which Floriana can act as a catalyst for development projects that merge traditional lifestyles with modernisation.

"For example, Triq Sant'Anna could serve as a model for how historic buildings can be adapted to contemporary needs, hosting cultural and commercial activities that create a dynamic and innovative community. However, such initiatives must be carried out in close consultation with Floriana's residents," the plan said.

The document said that by ensuring regional involvement in the process, the regeneration of Floriana and the Grand Harbour can be implemented sustainably, with local communities playing an active role in creating revitalised, sustainable spaces that meet their needs.