More than 400 businesses and offices in Valletta have subscribed to a new committee set up to ensure they remain unaffected by the projects for the regeneration of the capital city.

The Valletta Business Community Committee has been set up under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, in collaboration with the Republic Street Business Community Association, the Merchants Street Business Community Association and the Valletta Alive Foundation.

Its main goal is to ensure access to the city is not affected during the works and, if it is, to find alternative means of access to business outlets and offices so business can carry on as usual.

“The committee is eagerly waiting to meet the authorities to discuss the way forward,” it said.

Last month, another leading business organisation, the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU, said the outlook for business in Valletta was deteriorating fast because government projects were not being properly planned. The GRTU, which represents a number of businesses in Valletta, does not form part of the new committee.

It had complained too much parking space was being taken up by works, such as street pedestrianisation and restoration of historic buildings and if consumers did not have easy access, they would avoid entering the city.

The ministries responsible for infrastructure and for resources held that more business was being generated through the ongoing embellishment works, which took place after consulting the GRTU.