Floriana’s regeneration begins with its people

The recent announcement of a pilot project on St Anne Street, in Floriana – led by Project Green and currently open for public consultation – marks a significant milestone for our locality.

The initiative aims to reduce part of the main road to two lanes and introduce pedestrian platforms beneath the historic arches between the Lion Monument and Pjazza Papa Giovanni.

As both a resident and an elected representative, I attended a public discussion on the proposal and welcomed the fact that, this time, the people of Floriana had the opportunity to be involved from the very beginning.

It’s also important to highlight that the local council was formally included in the process, following a motion I presented during my tenure as minority leader.

That motion was approved, paving the way for the council’s proactive participation from the early stages of the proposal. In fact, meaningful involvement only began following the change in majority – marking a turning point that established a precedent for institutional collaboration and democratic input.

These are both essential elements for any serious and lasting regeneration effort in Floriana.

More importantly, the regeneration of Floriana became a concrete item on the national agenda following the policy document I presented earlier this year, which was unanimously supported by all councillors.

This document, together with the implementation of the Nationalist Party’s local electoral programme, brought the issue of urban regeneration to the forefront with renewed strength and clarity.

Floriana has the potential to be a thriving residential and cultural centre

For too long, discussions about Floriana have centred on its role as a transit corridor or tourist spillover zone. But our message has been consistent: Floriana must be rebuilt around its people.

Will the government now oblige? Will it commit to turning what has long been a fragmented or cosmetic approach into a truly comprehensive regeneration strategy that prioritises population renewal, community welfare and long-term sustainability?

Floriana already enjoys a high level of visibility. It is rich in heritage, strategically located and has green spaces that many other localities envy. However, these advantages have not been enough to stop a worrying trend – population decline, an ageing community, disused properties and a lack of social infrastructure needed to attract new families and retain young residents.

Within this context, the restoration of the historic arches and façades is a positive step forward – one that was long overdue.

This restoration had been delayed for years under the pretext of awaiting a broader project. That excuse can no longer stand. The issuing of tenders for these works is a necessary move but one that should have happened long ago.

Moving forward, any project – whether a small pilot or a major investment – must form part of a broader strategy for demographic, economic and social renewal.

Floriana’s regeneration is not just a matter of resurfaced roads or pedestrian platforms. It is about housing policies, sustainable mobility, cultural activation, youth opportunities and green infrastructure designed with residents in mind.

Floriana has all the potential to be a thriving residential and cultural centre once again.

However, that regeneration must begin – not with structures or slogans – but with a vision that puts people first.

James Aaron Ellul

James Aaron Ellul is the deputy mayor of Floriana and a PN general election candidate.