Birgu : an exercise in urban regeneration

Abstract

The city of Vittoriosa or Birgu as is more popularly referred to by the locals, is located on the South Eastern coast of Malta, across the waters of the Grand Harbour facing the capital city Valletta. Together with the neighbouring cities of Cospicua and Senglea, Birgu is bound by several lines of fortifications. Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa, are collectively referred to as the Three Cities or the Cottonera. The historical roots of Birgu date back to the times of the Phoenicians, reputed to be the first settlers on the island. Consequently, the city of Birgu is one of the oldest residential areas in Malta. The construction of the buildings and activities which took place on this peninsula are often referred to in records relating to the Aragonese and the Castillian rule. Birgu, however, reached the height of its glory during the occupation of the island by the Military Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. During this period, prior to the construction of the new city Valletta the area was chosen as the seat of the Order. Birgu, situated in the main harbour prospered greatly during the occupation of the Knights and British, but it also suffered great damage and destruction during the Second World War as a result of its proximity to the main harbour and naval dockyard. The post war era was characterised by extensive reconstruction such that the resulting urban fabric is a mixture of old and more recent post war buildings. In spite of several recent improvements, the physical character and appearance of this city, together with the prevailing socio-economic conditions within the area are not consistent with its potential. Needless to say, despite its rich historical and unique features, the potential of this city and the surrounding area in general is not appreciated. It is in the light of these facts that Birgu was chosen to serve as a case study in urban revival. Although there is ample justification for its renewal. but until a collective and determined effort to physically, socially, and economically revitalise the city is initiated, the fate of this historic city lies at the mercy of the whims and fancies of the politicians, businessmen, speculators, and the residents themselves. The main objective of this study is to act as a guideline and provide an outline framework within which the city of Birgu can successfully undergo an urban revival process in a rational and pratical manner. It is acknowledged which a revitalisation programme is essentially a multidisciplinary exercise, that encompasses a wide range of fields ranging from sociological issues to, economic aspects of transport, infrastructure and physical problems. In our case this must all take place within the constraints that a historical environment would naturally create within itself. It would be unwise, if not foolish within the limited time and resources available, to try and tackle all aspects involved and for this reason I have limited myself and directed my efforts primarily towards the physical aspects of an urban renewal programme. Nevertheless, I appreciated that certain disciplines cannot be divorced from each other, and thus, whilst analysing the prevailing conditions and formulating the proposals, all town planning aspects were kept at the back of my mind. In reality, such an exercise would naturally need to be taken up by a team of people, capable of separately taking on a specific discipline and at the same time capable of co-ordinating their efforts towards their common goal. It is a fact that a historical town can independently of its intrinsic value as part of our heritage, represent an important and valid contribution to the state in general, and there is ample scope and potential to upgrade the image of this historic city. At present, Birgu, seems a neglected residential area, and in recent years it has become increasingly evident that the potential of the locality has not yet been fully exploited. The aim of this study is to analyse the present conditions within Birgu, to pinpoint and diagnose its ailments, and finally propose constructive suggestions that could reasonably be expected to initiate and induce a revival programme within the area. Having visited Birgu for some months, I have obtained a personal knowledge of the area and some of the conclusions and suggestions that I have put forward are the result of combined observations made over these months. It is clear that today no intervention within a historic environment is imagined, unless it is based on a thorough analysis and evaluation of prevailing conditions. A definite methodological approach, which is to be outlined in the following synopsis of the main text of this individual project was therefore adopted.