Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1120492
23.05.19 14 EU FUNDS PAUL COCKS WORKS on the EU-funded Lower Valletta Regeneration project are well underway, with the area being given a major facelift through the improve- ment of the urban environment and the preservation of cultural heritage, while also addressing social housing and community needs above all. Around €24 million in EU funds is being invested in this project, which also includes the Valletta Design Cluster: a Val- letta 2018 legacy project led by the culture ministry, and a first- of-its-kind initiative in Malta which will dedicate space to NGOs and individuals working in the cultural and creative sec- tor based in Malta. e overall project will im- prove Malta's sustainable de- velopment, in particular that of the lower Valletta area, and at the same time enhance and improve the quality of services offered to the local community. e aim of the interventions from an urban and cultural perspective, led by the tour- ism ministry, is to valorise the cultural and historical assets found within the Lower Vallet- ta in order to use their poten- tial for an enhanced touristic product. e main focus will be the historical assets which are currently in dilapidated state, fixed landmarks and also hidden assets or forgot- ten buildings along the streets, which will enhance the Lower Valletta characteristics. From a social housing per- spective, the aim of the inter- ventions is to rehabilitate ap- propriate public buildings and embellish the surrounding are- as to improve accessibility and ensure structural stability. e works proposed will include the restoration and moderni- sation of the common areas of social housing blocks, includ- ing also the installation of lifts and energy efficient measures. While giving an update on the works last week, tourism minister Konrad Mizzi spoke of the capital city's touristic importance. For this reason, he said, it is necessary to make sure that Valletta offers the best touristic product possible. EU funds parliamentary sec- retary Aaron Farrugia said that this project, financed by the European Regional Develop- ment Fund (ERDF) will be pro- viding an economic stimulus to lower Valletta, while also pri- oritising the needs of the com- munity. He also explained that through these interventions, important cultural heritage will be preserved for upcoming generations. is project is expected to ad- dress the needs of the popula- tion in the Lower Valletta area and is expected to positively affect the social fabric of the communities living within the area which has become a so- cially disadvantaged one. By the end of last year, the Tal-Pilar Church, the Cupolas of Our Lady of Mount Car- mel Basilica and St. Augus- tine Church, the English and French Curtain, and the Jews' Sally port were restored. e Tal-Blata area was embellished and a number of housing blocks were structurally rehabilitated. is year, a number of works are being carried out including the external restoration of Au- berge D'Aragon and Auberge Bavière, House of Catalunya, the German and St. Sebastian Curtain, and the pavement of St Sebastian Road. A number of buildings in Valletta will also be restored and converted into accommodation for elderly persons, amongst other inter- ventions. is is a project which would benefit everyone, from artists and tourists to communities, households, local councils and the general public. e busi- ness community, the private sector, large enterprises, SMEs, and NGOs will also stand to benefit significantly from a re- habilitated capital which will offer plenty of opportunities. Investment in lower Valletta This project is expected to address the needs of the population in the Lower Valletta area and is expected to positively affect the social fabric of the communities living within the area Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Aaron Farrugia and (bottom pic) Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi addressing the media