Can a car-dependent country like Malta embrace pedestrian-friendly spaces and balance accessibility, business concerns and urban connectivity? Perit ANTOINE ZAMMIT, whose urban design firm, Studjurban, is working closely with Infrastructure Malta on the Vjal Kulħadd project believes it’s possible.
Vjal Kulħadd is a bold initiative that will challenge the status quo by prioritising people over vehicles and a meaningful transformation of public space to enhance urban life in Malta.
Many may be quick to dismiss Vjal Kulħadd as just another pedestrianisation effort. However, Perit Zammit views this project as a progressive initiative that reimagines urban spaces at the local level to create safer and more inclusive environments that enhance people’s quality of life.
“I think that the spirit of this project lies in its name – Vjal Kulħadd – roads that belong to everyone. This project is an opportunity for localities to reclaim streets as public spaces that can foster social interaction, economic vitality and environmental sustainability,” he states.
“I also truly believe that Vjal Kulħadd will bring a fundamental shift in how we start designing and experiencing our urban environments.”
Studjurban worked closely with Infrastructure Malta at both strategic and technical levels to ensure an urban design vision with a tangible focus on people, from shaping the initiative’s overarching framework to ensuring project proponents came up with good urban design solutions for each locality.
“The project is guided by three main principles to ensure well-designed spaces that enhance liveability and connectivity, namely a people-centric design, sustainability and resilience and placemaking and urban regeneration.”
“This means that while shifting the focus from vehicles to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, there will also be an integration of green infrastructure to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This will help create high-quality public spaces that foster a sense of community, encourage local businesses and support healthier lifestyles,” explains Perit Zammit.
Perit Zammit explained that Vjal Kulħadd is not just an infrastructural upgrade but a tangible exercise in urban design involving spatial planning considerations, good public realm design, and sustainable mobility strategies to ensure that localities may start seeing a meaningful transformation of their public spaces.
“Project selection was based on a combination of urban potential, connectivity and social impact and localities with existing pedestrian activity, opportunities for revitalisation of urban centres, and the ability to create continuous walkable networks were prioritised,” explains Perit Zammit.
Addressing accessibility concerns, Perit Zammit emphasised that Vjal Kulħadd is designed to enhance mobility rather than restrict it.
“Accessibility is a core priority in our design approach because pedestrianisation should never come at the expense of inclusivity. This is why this project ensures that public spaces cater to everyone, including the elderly and individuals with mobility impairments,” he explained.
Features such as step-free access, smooth surfaces, good seating design and shaded rest areas shall be carefully integrated to create a more comfortable and navigable environment. Improved public transport links, designated drop-off zones and last-mile mobility solutions further support accessibility, reinforcing the project’s commitment to universal design principles that make urban spaces intuitive, safe and welcoming.
Antoine acknowledges that pedestrianisation projects continue to face criticism over increased congestion and business concerns but he believes that Vjal Kulħadd’s approach is a step in the right direction.
“Change will always be met with hesitation, particularly from businesses worried about reduced clientele. However, international experience, and even local precedents, show that well-designed pedestrian zones tend to stimulate economic activity rather than hinder it as they increase foot traffic.”
“As key stakeholders, businesses need to be actively engaged in the planning process. In fact, the projects, which are being rolled out in phases to allow for refinements and ensure a smooth transition, shall ensure continued accessibility and improved wayfinding solutions to support them,” he added.
Previous pedestrianisation efforts could have been undermined by poor enforcement and a lack of long-term commitment. This is why Perit Zammit believes that a project like Vjal Kulħadd relies a lot on strong institutional commitment, rigorous enforcement and ongoing community involvement.
“Rather than being a short-term experiment, Vjal Kulħadd is designed to serve as a model for sustainable urban transformation that can be replicated in other localities. Authorities and local councils should together ensure that the necessary frameworks are in place, including enforcement mechanisms to prevent unauthorised vehicle encroachment and maintain the integrity of pedestrian spaces.”
Perit Zammit’s ample experience with the Slow Streets project and the redesign of a number of public spaces has shown him that a shift from a car-centric mentality is challenging, but at the same time, both necessary and achievable.
“Malta has long relied on private vehicles but there is a growing recognition of the need for safer, healthier and more liveable urban spaces. Many European cities have faced such resistance but managed to successfully transition to pedestrian-friendly environments.”
Antoine’s advice to those localities aspiring to adopt similar projects is a simple one.
“Localities need to start thinking more holistically in terms of sustainable urban planning before considering short-term traffic solutions. Early engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders is also crucial to pass on the correct information and build the needed support. And before committing to any permanent changes, localities can start by hosting trial small-scale initiatives like weekend pedestrian zones to demonstrate the benefits involved.”
Antoine hopes that the success of Vjal Kulħadd will inspire other localities to follow suit.
“All it takes is a shift in mindset. But this will only happen if we start looking at public spaces as essential to urban life,” he concluded.
