It would be wrong to say that Malta’s capital city should not have entertainment attractions to minimise inconvenience to residents, the more so when such measures were being taken to give life back to the city in the evenings.

Answering questions in parliament by Claudio Grech (PN), Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said a few minutes’ walk down Strait Street shows the regeneration.

The Opposition MP pointed out that Mepa’s plans for a creative and multicultural hub on two blocks of Strait Street to revert to an entertainment hub should keep in mind the presence of peripheral residents.

Dr Falzon said Valletta could not be considered a museum, and a balance had to be found. Areas close to residences would be a cultural hub. The problem was that the cultural area would normally be empty by late evening but should not leave a dead city at night.

He said the government was not planning a free-for-all in Strait Street.

Earlier, Dr Falzon said when the plans were published for public consultation last October, Mepa had received one timely submission and two late ones. The first submission had now been published with the policy document for consultation until January 23.

A public meeting on the topic had been attended by the mayor of Valletta, Alexiei Dingli. Answering another PQ by Mr Grech, the Prime Minister said the core proposed for the multicultural hub was dominated by vacant, abandoned dwellings.

Dr Falzon revealed three of 14 applications for the operation of boutique hotels in Valletta had been approved.