A gentrified city? : a factual study of the gentrification process occurring in Valletta and the resulting effects on its residents

Abstract

In the light of regeneration projects which have been completed and are proposed for Valletta, the popularity of the city attained an impressive increase in attracting upper class residents which sharply contrasts with previous eras. This popularity resulted in a rise in investment from both public and private entities with the aim of increasing their economic revenue. Similar to other case studies in other cities, however, such regeneration projects have given rise to the phenomenon of gentrification. Gentrification in Valletta is a subject which is referred to by many scholars; yet up till the writing of this dissertation no studies have been done to quantify the phenomenon. The author further explores the different perspectives of various scholars interested in the subject, concluding that the lack of objectivity has resulted in numerous unanswered hypotheses which are based on personal perceptions. The study subsequently adopts Atkinson’s gentrification analysis in Greater London to the local context with the aim of quantifying the process in Valletta. This is studied on two levels: on a local level through the analysis of census data, and on a neighbourhood scale through a first-hand survey. From the gathered results both studies reveal that a process of gentrification is highly plausible and that the lack of sustainable planning in the social sphere is resulting in several inconveniences to the residents. Furthermore interviewed scholars maintain that the lack of proper planning is culminating in an unbalanced community where the economic prospects are glorified to the detriment of the local community.