Żurrieq Residents: “Not Another High-Rise, Not Here!”

In the heart of Malta’s southern region, the quaint village of Żurrieq is no stranger to change. But when news broke about a proposed 14-story development in the heart of the village, residents were up in arms. They gathered at the iconic St. Catherine’s Church square, their voices echoing through the cobblestone streets, demanding, “Not another high-rise, not here!”

Nigret: The Eye of the Storm

The proposed development, dubbed ‘Nigret’, is set to replace a derelict building on Triq il-Kbira, Żurrieq’s main street. The plans, submitted by local developers, include 120 apartments, retail spaces, and underground parking. But for Żurrieq’s 2,500 residents, it’s not just about the height or the number of units. It’s about preserving their village’s character and quality of life.

“Żurrieq is not a concrete jungle,” says Maria Sultana, a lifelong resident and one of the leading voices against the development. “We’re not against progress, but we want it to be in harmony with our village, not towering over it.”

History Repeating? Lessons from Marsaskala

Residents point to Marsaskala, another southern village, as a cautionary tale. A decade ago, Marsaskala faced similar development pressures, leading to a surge in high-rise apartments. Today, many residents regret not pushing harder for more stringent planning regulations.

“We don’t want to end up like Marsaskala,” says Sultana. “We want to learn from their experience and protect our village.”

Fighting Back: Żurrieq United

Residents have formed ‘Żurrieq United’, a pressure group dedicated to fighting the Nigret development. They’ve organized public meetings, collected signatures, and even launched a Facebook page to rally support. Their message is clear: Żurrieq wants sustainable development, not high-rise buildings that block sunlight and views.

Żurrieq United has also gained support from environmental NGOs like Din l-Art Ħelwa and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar. Together, they’re pushing for a comprehensive review of Żurrieq’s development policies.

“This is not just about Żurrieq,” says Sultana. “It’s about sending a message to developers and policymakers that Malta’s villages deserve better.”

As Żurrieq United continues its fight, one thing is clear: the spirit of resistance is alive and well in this small village. And as the sun sets over the picturesque valley, casting a warm glow on the ancient church and the surrounding fields, the residents of Żurrieq are determined to keep it that way.