Assessing the current state of urban conservation in Malta

Abstract

Development on a small island state with a high population density, such as Malta, may exert great pressures on the urban heritage and its character. Moreover, as the population continues to grow, the rate of development is expected to intensify further. Hence, the need for sound urban conservation practices in Malta is of great concern to manage and mitigate the impacts of development on the historic urban landscape. At the time of writing, the policy framework is undergoing a transition, aimed at encouraging development in a coherent manner, without compromising the inherent values and character of Malta's towns and villages. The scope of the present study is to assess the current state of urban conservation in Malta, in light of these changes to the policy framework. A number of interviews with practicing architects experienced in architectural conservation or policy-making provided an insight into the current state. Two localities were selected as case studies, from which sample study areas were defined in order to investigate the recurring themes that had emerged from the interviews. Correlating the data from these two research methods, results have indicated that there is an awareness of the significance of Malta's heritage. The need for protection of the historic urban landscape is an issue that the policy framework is attempting to address. In fact, the interpretation and enforcement of the framework and its policies were deemed the greatest area of weakness threatening Malta's urban heritage. Nonetheless, it was argued that responsibility for urban conservation should not be borne by the decision-makers alone, but needs to be shared by all stakeholders in the private as well as public sector.