Between 2022 and 2024, families will have more than 325,000 square metres of new or regenerated green open spaces in Malta and Gozo
Through an EU-funded investment, over 135,000 square metres of green open spaces will get a new lease of life with four regeneration and afforestation projects in Fgura, Bormla, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, and Birżebbuġa.
During a press conference, the Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Miriam Dalli, and the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Chris Bonett, explained that Project Green will be implementing these four projects.
Minister Miriam Dalli explained that through these EU funds and other government-funded projects announced earlier this year, works on more than 215,000 square metres of open spaces will be in progress during 2024.
Over the past year and 10 months, more than 110,000 square metres of green spaces have been opened to the public. This means that between 2022 and 2024, people will have access to more than 325,000 square metres of additional green areas, equivalent to approximately 54 football grounds.
The two largest projects among the four EU-funded investments are located in Fgura and Bormla. In Fgura, a large area abutting the Cottonera fortifications, which had been closed off for many years, will be transformed into a new public park. This transformation will include ecological conservation works, new pathways, and recreational facilities for all the family, including picnic areas. On the other side of the fortifications, in Bormla, the second project announced involves the regeneration of Kottoner Gardens, turning it into an innovative park promoting active lifestyles. The park will feature cycling tracks and other amenities, as well as dog-friendly areas. These two large open spaces will be connected to San Klement Park nearby to form the largest park in southern Malta.
The project at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq will include a picnic area, walking trails, a playground, and an open-air theatre. Project Green will conserve the area’s existing indigenous trees while planting new trees and shrubs to enrich the area’s biodiversity. In Birżebbuġa, the agency will double the size of the Bengħajsa Family Park, which opened this year, with a new area that will include more trees and other sustainable elements, such as bicycle paths for children.
“As the Budget confirmed, this government is dedicated to creating more green spaces. Budget 2024 is allocating more than €33 million for urban greening projects, gardens, parks, and similar initiatives under different entities and ministries,” Minister Dalli said.
“We are committed to continuing to collaborate with all communities to promote healthier lifestyles through these open spaces, to nurture an appreciation for the environment among our children, and to create a better environment in our localities,” added Minister Dalli.
Minister Dalli thanked entities such as the Environment and Resources Authority, Ambjent Malta, and GreenServ, who are also committed to the development of several environmental projects in the community.
The Environment and Resources Authority is currently working on the rehabilitation of Spencer Garden in Floriana. Ambjent Malta is creating a new eco garden in Mosta, while WasteServ will be transforming the former Marsascala waste plant into a new family park.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett explained that the government is presenting a budget for a fair Malta, even through EU funds. This leads to positive impacts in several sectors, including the environment, not only for people today but also for future generations. “Through EU funds, we are supporting capital investments that can directly contribute to a better environment. In recent years, through a €163 million investment from the 2014–2020 EU funds, we completed different projects, ranging from initiatives to protect our biodiversity to the improvement of our urban spaces,” Dr Bonett said.
Steve Ellul, CEO of Project Green, emphasised the significance of these projects, stating, “These projects are not just about creating green spaces; they are about improving the lives of residents across the island, in particular the southern part of the island, which is characterised by urbanism. “The Fgura District Park and Gnien Kottoner project will become the greatest open space in the history of greenery in the south of Malta.”
