Social sustainability, urban regeneration and postmodern development approaches for Strait Street, Valletta

Abstract

Purpose of study: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the social aspect within the sustainability debate is integrated into urban regeneration projects, and the urban, economic and social implications of adopting a postmodern type of regeneration. The paper points out the powerful advantages of urban regeneration and postmodern development projects to revive derelict areas and promote cities, but also highlights the dilemmas that emerge from such processes, such as a lack of social inclusion and cultural homogeneity, as well as gentrification. Methodology: The paper uses Strait Street, in Valletta, as a case study. A literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between the above topics. In addition, a qualitative method of research was adopted, which provided established rules for the collection of empirical data and was the starting point for choosing the relative methods of research. The two main methods used where semi-structured interviews and an online questionnaire. In addition, structured observation within the street under study was conducted for further data triangulation. Findings: From the research, it clearly emerges that changes in Strait Street are occurring at a slow but steady rate, with one section in particular being slowly revived as the main entertainment area in the city. A number of findings in the study suggest the regeneration of Strait Street is heading in a post-modern direction. This growing trend in opening entertainment spaces instead of retail has made Strait Street the main area for the city’s nightlife. Such urban revival alone, however, does not meet social sustainability requirements unless the gradual decrease in population and a lack of provision of decent and affordable housing in the area is addressed. The study argues for policies that reverse such process and places special emphasis on the European Capital of Culture Event in 2018 as a main tool by which to achieve a socially sustainable urban regeneration of the area. Originality/value: By analysing various literary sources and using other European cities as examples, this paper explores the process of urban regeneration of derelict areas such as Strait Street from a postmodern perspective. This research will hopefully contribute to a lack of research on social sustainability and postmodern development with regards to the local context. Research results will be an addition to considerations about urban regeneration from such perspectives, shedding light on changes in urban lifestyles, which are occurring in different sequences, time periods and in places. This subject encompasses a wide range of issues and hence further research will need to be made by others, perhaps approaching the subject from new perspectives and also applying theories to the whole of Valletta.