Nightclubs will not, after all, be opened in Valletta’s Strait Street, the former red light district now undergoing “cultural regeneration”.

The pledge was made by V18 head Jason Micallef, who said the area will become a hive of activity with events happening throughout the day and at “respectable” times during the night. Clubbing establishments, however, will not form part of this initiative.

He was reacting to concerns raised by Valletta Mayor Alexiei Dingli after a planning authority document spoke of plans to transform the area into a “vibrant 24-hour destination”.

Mr Micallef insisted that nightclubs were out of the question and the plan for the area has “the community at heart”.

“What we mean by 24-hour attraction is definitely not Paceville. We have a vision for the locality that brings it back to life, with a particular emphasis on culture. 11pm is not 24 hours,” he said, adding that laws forcing bars to keep the noise down past 11pm would be enforced.