The privatisation of public spaces and the decline of urban connectivity in Paceville

Abstract

Paceville is unique in Malta and yet it is representative of the possible evolution of Maltese urbanity. It is an excellent platform for understanding the complex bond between space and politics in a Mediterranean country that depends heavily on tourism. This seemingly random concoction of massive international buildings, luxury hotels, financial towers, conference spaces and schools of English leaves little space for any sense of belonging and for a strong local life which is usually based on face-to-face relations in Malta. However there is, despite the vertiginous turnover of the population, a micro community of residents that feel it is where they belong. This article reveals the rising difficulty to keep open public spaces where the commoditization of space and its enclosure are putting more pressure on the few spaces left for the public. Generally the discussion rises question about the appropriation of public space in a tourist ressort.