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Regeneration and revitalisation

(18) RESTORATION WORKS SCHEME FOR LOCAL COUNCILS (MALTA) was launched to assist the 54 municipalities of mainland Malta with the restoration of landmark buildings and other stationary monuments of both historic and artistic value. Local communities are often particularly interested in the historic connections of these buildings (as the context) to their daily lives and as a result identify strongly with them. The scheme therefore helps to increase public awareness of heritage buildings and sites and also of the methods and skills used to restore them.

Niche of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Paola, Malta, 2017.
© Restoration Directorate

Niche of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Paola, Malta, 2017. © Restoration Directorate

(19) CLONAKILTY 400 (IRELAND)

The local authority in the Clonakilty implemented the Urban Design/Public Realm Masterplan with a strong focus on engaging the public. The main objective of the masterplan was the socioeconomic regeneration of the centre of the Irish town of Clonakilty to mark the 400th anniversary of the town borough. It highlights the important role of the town architect, a unique role in Cork County Council since the 1960s when planning laws were introduced which stated that architects would act also as urban planners of the towns in making local area plans. This design-led approach empowers the town architect to coordinate public and private developments, including influencing local policy to preserve the architectural heritage and to include the participation of local communities. The challenge was to bring life back to the main street and re-establish a sense of place and community. Clonakilty was badly hit by a number of floods, with one of the worst recent in 2012. Although with limited funding, Clonakilty400 helped to create a vision shared by the community and, close to completion, it has already helped to restore a sense of pride and community in the town.

The completion of the Main Street, Phase II, 2016, Cork. The idea was to make the local community aware of the heritage value of its townscape, including the preservation of traditional shopfronts and re-establishing social activities on the street. Clonakilty 400 Urban Design Masterplan (case study 38), Ireland. Courtesy of Cork County Council architect Giulia Vallone

The completion of the Main Street, Phase II, 2016, Cork.
The idea was to make the local community aware of the heritage value of its townscape, including the preservation of traditional shopfronts and re-establishing social activities on the street. Clonakilty 400 Urban Design Masterplan Ireland. Courtesy of Cork County Council architect Giulia Vallone

(20) THE REVIVE PROGRAMME (PORTUGAL) has facilitated the reuse of 49 properties owned by the Portuguese government for tourism or cultural purposes. The converted buildings are of architectural, heritage, historical and cultural significance and were previously used as military buildings, hospitals or monasteries. This reuse and conversion programme is likely to be extended and follows strict heritage guidelines, using private investment. It is in line with government rules, to support a sustainable economy and the renovation of the buildings and surrounding landscapes for the benefit of communities and the local economy.

Convent of São Paulo – view of the cloister, Elvas, Portugal. Historic convent converted into a hotel under the Revive programme (case study 14), 2020. © Turismo de Portugal, IP

Convent of São Paulo – view of the cloister, Elvas, Portugal.
Historic convent converted into a hotel under the Revive programme, 2020. © Turismo de Portugal, IP

Findings and observations

  • The Maltese case study demonstrates how cultural heritage is integral to implementing the European Green Deal and aspects of sustainable development. It also shows how targeted investment can help secure key cultural assets in historic centres while preserving conservation skills and expertise so the buildings can be enjoyed by future generations in the local communities.
  • The Revive programme is another impressive example of a rehabilitation programme, which also safeguards cultural assets so local economies and communities can remain resilient and sustainable. Similar initiatives have been launched in Italy (such as the Valore Paese example of public-private partnership, or the transformation of the San Pietro cloisters (1) into an open hub for innovation in Reggio Emilia, as a governance model).
  • The case study from Clonakilty showcases local authority strategies to a design-led approach for the re-shaping of existing town spaces into high-quality public spaces. It is also a great example of effective public engagement where a local community re-imagined its town and harnessed key infrastructural funding to put in place environmental improvements and place making to everyone’s benefit.
  • Generally, it is a good idea to co-create when it comes to reuse, to brainstorm and engage step-by-step with all stakeholders involved. That way existing buildings and structures can be preserved and will subsequently continue to play an important role in spatial development while also contributing to a sustainable living environment.

(1) The Simon architecture prize, Cloisters of San Pietro: https://www.simonprize.org/work2020/cloisters-of-san-pietro