Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1431464
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 NOVEMBER 2021 15 COMMERCIAL scape of Cottonera. As a first step, a Foundation for Cotton- era was set up with the scope of coordinating and, where necessary, spearheading the various initiatives and works taking place in the area. "It's all about strengthening the community and raising a sense of belonging," Mr Gauci goes on to say. "Each of the key points in the Strategy will now be implemented in different ways." For instance, there will be better use of existing social and community facilities. "Some buildings are underuti- lised, which isn't ideal in a place that lacks community space. One such project could be better use of existing com- munity facilities to provide facilities for the elderly, chil- dren, young people, and the disadvantaged." Similarly, opportunities will be identified for affordable housing in the hope of attract- ing young homebuyers to the area, while a land-ownership survey will identify vacant properties to kick-start the in- vestment process in a targeted manner. The urban environment will also be upgraded. Projects here will focus on the appreciation of heritage sites, the creation or improvement of open pub- lic spaces, and the upgrading of infrastructure. "The goal here is to make the built environment 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 strategy will also help to increase business attrac- tiveness in a number of ways, including by attracting major investors to tap into the po- tential of sites in the region. "Business brings workers, young families and tourists to the area," he continues, "which will in turn breathe new life in- to the region and help to con- tinue its development for gen- erations to come. And that is exactly what's needed." So, as the strategy starts to be implemented in earnest, Mr Gauci hopes it will have a lasting impact on the social dimension of the entire region and beyond. "It is our goal to see an area that was once associated with social issues now considered to be an exciting success. To me, the potential for Cottonera is very strong," he concludes. "Each of the key points in the Strateg y will now be implemented in different ways. It's all about strengthening the community and increasing a sense of belonging.