Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1107757
7 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 APRIL 2019 ers. "This situation has arisen because of several factors, in- cluding changes in rent laws, increased foreign investment, the regeneration of areas such as Strait Street and the prolif- eration of boutique hotels and other tourist accommodation, as well as the spotlight cast on the city through the title of the European Capital of Culture," one resident said. While the researchers hinted at the possible unease of resi- dents at the thought of gentri- fication, the majority of resi- dents complained that besides affordability, they had to move house due to increased noise and congestion – more than the perception of no longer feeling at home, a considera- ble number of Beltin said they felt "pressured" to leave. The report reads that though "often tinged with the rhetoric of nostalgia, these concerns cannot be reduced to mere romanticism when threats to liveability have become tan- gible. Furthermore, voicing a need to safeguard the com- munal aspect of Valletta is not an argument against the im- provement of the city's infra- structure. "None of the respondents, even those most concerned about the impacts of gentri- fication and monumentalisa- tion, have been dismissive of regeneration projects in them- selves," the researchers said, adding that the study con- ducted should inform us that urban regeneration ought to be more community-friendly and sustainable. The study contended that infrastructural designs should take into account the social aspect of the city and enable human interaction. "The adaptability and pride that the Beltin and other resi- dents display towards their city remain a precious but un- der-utilised resource in mak- ing Valletta a more liveable city." Residents remain hopeful, however. "Valletta is liveable because, at the end of the day, people cope and we develop adaptation mechanisms." Another said that residents are likely to learn to live with difficulties because there are a lot of things one can enjoy about living in the capital. "We know how lucky we are to live here," a 34-year- old female resident said. "We feel this city belongs to us so we tend to fear that it's being taken away." dhudson@mediatoday.com.mt "Valletta is getting depopulated while boutique hotels are opening. You need commerce but you also need residents to keep a city alive. A city is made of its people" Valletta 2018 gave Malta a fantastic cultural calendar