Malta's urban planning and local plans have long been the subject of criticism, with many observing a lack of forward-thinking strategies that address the challenges of a rapidly urbanising nation. The current state of urban planning often results in poorly designed, congested environments that do not prioritise the quality of life for residents.

In an interview given to this media house last Sunday, an architect said that the updating of local plans can provide an excellent opportunity to rethink urban planning, a concept that has been neglected for far too long.

The eventual updating of local plans presents a crucial opportunity to rethink how urban spaces in Malta are developed. Not only is it necessary to adapt to modern needs, but it is also imperative to address the changing nature of living conditions.

One of the main concerns in Malta’s urban planning is the mismatch between the demand for outdoor spaces and the availability of these spaces. With a growing number of people living in apartments, the need for accessible, quality outdoor areas has become paramount. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that many of Malta’s town and village layouts prioritise cars over pedestrians, leaving limited space for community engagement or relaxation.

Over the past years, more buildings have been constructed to accommodate the growing population. The lack of focus on creating high-quality streetscapes and public spaces means that many areas in Malta are increasingly characterised by overdevelopment, with a noticeable absence of green spaces or areas.

Streets often lack sufficient landscaping, and where there are outdoor spaces, these are not always conducive to social interaction, exercise, or recreation. Many of these spaces in popular areas are then occupied by restaurants and outlets that have “spilled” onto public areas. Most localities have seen significant growth in residential complexes, but there has been little effort to balance this growth with green zones or pedestrian-friendly pathways.

The impact of this can be seen in the way residents engage with their surroundings. With fewer areas for children to play or adults to walk or relax in, people are often forced to travel further to find recreational spaces, taking away from the overall experience of living in these communities. This issue is particularly relevant in the context of Malta's dense urban fabric, where space is at a premium, and the pressure to build more is intense.

Local plans must therefore focus on creating balanced communities that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in a cohesive manner.

Moreover, the increasing prevalence of apartment living, which offers fewer opportunities for residents to connect with nature, demands the inclusion of green spaces within the same residential developments.

A reimagining of Malta’s urban design is needed, one that incorporates parks, gardens, and green roofs within apartment complexes, as well as the creation of accessible public parks that are thoughtfully designed with residents’ needs in mind. Creating these spaces is not only important for mental well-being but also for the environment, as urban green spaces play a vital role in improving air quality.

In addition to these practical considerations, the urban planning process in Malta must be more inclusive. Public consultation and collaboration with local communities are vital in ensuring that the development of public spaces and streetscapes is done in a way that reflects the needs and desires of those who will actually use them. Local communities should have a say in how their town or village is designed, ensuring that spaces are created with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and well-being.