Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1430105
11 COMMERCIAL 18.11.2021 outgrown them." Rather than risk this happening in Cot- tonera, the Strategy kickstarted a bot- tom-up consultation process by involv- ing key stakeholders; ranging from local residents to NGOs operating in the area, to the Local Councils, amongst which a survey was carried out amongst Cot- tonera residents. "We asked them what they liked and what they didn't, and the results were really interesting," he says. "It turned out over 60 per cent were hap- py and didn't wany anything major to change, while others highlighted issues with parking, public space management, a lack of housing, a lack of childcare fa- cilities, and problems with the general upkeep of the region. It provided incred- ible insight for us to be able to make our recommendations." Implementing the Cottonera Strategy e Strategy was crafted around the Government's vision to improve life for the people of Cottonera. As a result, it focuses on three key objectives: to im- prove social capital, upgrade the urban environment, and increase business at- tractiveness within the rich and diverse cultural landscape of Cottonera. As a first step, a Foundation for Cottonera was set up with the scope of coordinat- ing and, where necessary, spearheading the various initiatives and works taking place in the area. "It's all about strengthening the com- munity and raising a sense of belonging," Mr Gauci goes on to say. "Each of the key points in the Strategy will now be imple- mented in different ways." For instance, there will be better use of existing social and community facili- ties. "Some buildings are underutilised, which isn't ideal in a place that lacks community space. One such project could be better use of existing commu- nity facilities to provide facilities for the elderly, children, young people, and the disadvantaged." Similarly, opportunities will be identi- fied for affordable housing in the hope of attracting young homebuyers to the area, while a land-ownership survey will iden- tify vacant properties to kick-start the investment process in a targeted manner. e urban environment will also be upgraded. Projects here will focus on the appreciation of heritage sites, the creation or improvement of open public spaces, and the upgrading of infrastruc- ture. "e goal here is to make the built en- vironment work for the people that live or work here, and to really maximise the space that's available," Mr Gauci says. Finally, the implementation of the strat- egy will also help to increase business at- tractiveness in a number of ways, includ- ing by attracting major investors to tap into the potential of sites in the region. "Business brings workers, young families and tourists to the area," he continues, "which will in turn breathe new life into the region and help to continue its de- velopment for generations to come. And that is exactly what's needed." So, as the strategy starts to be imple- mented in earnest, Mr Gauci hopes it will have a lasting impact on the social dimension of the entire region and be- yond. "It is our goal to see an area that was once associated with social issues now considered to be an exciting suc- cess. To me, the potential for Cottonera is very strong," he concludes. "Planning is critical to the regeneration of our entire society." "Planning is critical to the regeneration of our entire society"