European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, has visited the Valletta Design Cluster – a centre of artistic innovation and creativity located in the heart of Malta’s capital, which forms part of the Valletta Cultural Agency.
The building that now houses the Valletta Design Cluster was formerly the city’s old abattoir and had stood derelict for the many years. After an extensive regeneration project costing approximately €10.4 million, which took place through European and local funds, this building was officially reopened in March 2021. Today, it serves as a thriving hub supporting the ever-growing creative sector, offering dynamic co-working studios, a state-of-the-art makerspace, and fostering strong community-led initiatives.
A notable feature of the building is its rooftop garden, which is open to the public during the day every day of the week. This space not only provides a green space within the city but also stands as a powerful symbol of urban renewal.
During the visit, Commissioner Micallef remarked that the project – a legacy of Valletta’s designation as European Capital of Culture in 2018 – successfully combines cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. He praised the initiative as an example of best practice for similar projects, contributing to the continued development and mainstreaming of the cultural and creative sectors.
Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, Mr Jason Micallef, expressed the Agency’s satisfaction at welcoming, for the first time, a European Commissioner responsible for Culture to the Valletta Design Cluster. He noted that the visit was an opportunity for the Commissioner to witness first-hand the value and legacy of the project, and to appreciate the opportunities it is creating for both local and international artists.
