Concerns Raised Over Floriana’s Commercial Development

Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland has expressed serious concerns about the future of the town’s residents as commercial developments increasingly replace residential buildings.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Holland stressed that the local council must prioritise its community, not serve as a council for hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnb.

The event coincided with Floriana’s annual Housing Day on January 16, a commemoration of Riccardo Cesare, who tragically fell to his death 25 years ago when a four-story landing in his apartment block collapsed.

Reflecting on the drastic changes in the town’s demographic, Holland noted that only 11 residents remain on St Anne’s Street, once home to dozens of families.

Standing in front of a residential block on St Anne’s Street, Holland criticised a proposed project to transform the building into a 40-room hotel. The council has opposed the development, warning it will have “detrimental consequences” for the community.

“This is part of a larger housing issue in Floriana,” Holland said. He reiterated the council’s commitment to opposing projects that replace homes with commercial ventures, citing Floriana’s local plan, which requires a balance between residential and commercial uses—a balance he argues has been lost.

Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting Floriana has one of Malta’s oldest populations, with an average age over 60.

He also pointed out that only Mdina and Xgħajra have smaller populations than Floriana. Ellul emphasised the need to preserve and restore residential spaces, presenting a paper during a council meeting to underline the importance of halting the phasing out of homes in favour of commercial development.

“Our priority is to save the Floriana community,” Holland concluded.

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