AP Valletta shared a proposal for the regeneration of Wied is-Sewda valley in Qormi, which seeks to address and find solutions to the various challenges the area faces as a consequence of climate change and neglect.
The proposal, which the studio submitted to the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars initiative, prioritises “nature-based solutions against the imminent water crisis that Malta and many other countries need to tackle”, while aiming to bring life back to an abandoned and unkept area in the centre of the island.
“Originally, the valley provided for the agricultural production of the town of Qormi, as well as being a direct connection to Valletta. Over the years, the basin hosting water during the rainy season and preventing from flooding in the area was covered in concrete, converting the green and agricultural land into a neglected grey area,” the studio explains.
“This masterplan regeneration proposal aims at reconnecting the area to the community, finally recreating the green valley.”
The proposal centres around five key points, primarily, to reconnect the valley to the centre of the historic town.
It also seeks to provide for a floodable landscape and a new urban environment that can cater for flooding; introduce a green corridor that stretches along the entire valley, providing open public space; and to create a new social and economic hub for the locale.
The masterplan aims to also restore the link between Qormi and Valletta with a green network.
“The redirection of the existing watercourse and the absorption and reuse of water would reduce the catastrophic consequence caused by heavy floods as well as creating a system to retain and reuse water, generating positive societal changes and new economic models,” AP Valletta explains.
“Another important element of the proposal is the attempt at bringing the community together as the active driver of the project and for the change to take place, improving their sense of belonging and attachment towards the historic and cultural heritage.”
The EU initiative, which splits submissions into three competitive strands – including the Rising Stars category dedicated to concepts submitted by young talent – is an interdisciplinary initiative that seeks to connect the European Green Deal to living spaces and experiences.
Renders: AP Valletta
