On Friday evening, the Tony Bezzina Garden was officially inaugurated in Paola, an urban regeneration project in the heart of this locality and which was carried out through collaboration between the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness together with the Paola Local Council.
This project has led to the transformation of an area of approximately 2,600 square metres into a modern and accessible community space, which includes the first skatepark in Malta professionally designed according to European standards, a public garden and a children’s playground. The space is also equipped with various facilities including benches and pedestrian walkways, with an adequate lighting system as well as other public facilities.
During the works, a World War II shelter was also found, which forms part of the historical heritage of the locality. As part of the project, a dedicated entrance was built so that this place remains preserved and accessible to the public in the future.
The project also includes an important element of environmental sustainability. A water reservoir that has been integrated into the garden design will be used to provide water for irrigation, while solar panels will provide part of the energy to illuminate the area.
The garden is dedicated to Tony Bezzina, former President of Hibernians FC and a well-known and respected figure in Paola. A bust of him has also been placed in the garden as a reminder of his contribution to the local community and sport.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett said that Tony Bezzina Garden confirms the Government’s policy of identifying sites in various localities that need intervention to be transformed into modern public spaces that are given back to be enjoyed by the community. He explained how, through Infrastructure Malta, work is currently underway on several similar projects in collaboration and dialogue with local councils and other government entities. “In this case, we had the opportunity to transform this area into a garden, a professional skatepark and swings for children, and we combined all of this in memory of Mr Tony Bezzina who did so much good in Paola, in various aspects including the sporting and entrepreneurial, and who left a positive social impact on this locality and all the people of Paola,” concluded Minister Bonett.
“When I look at Ġnien Tony Bezzina, I see more than a garden. I see a space built for people, crafted in collaboration and intended for generations to come. The environmental aspect was at the heart of this project. A substantial number of local trees were planted so that this garden continues to grow as a green space for the community. This project is also a clear example of what we can achieve when we work together. I look forward to seeing this place full of life — with children playing, families meeting and the entire community enjoying a space that it truly deserves,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
The works were carried out by Infrastructure Malta, in close collaboration with the Paola Local Council and Ambjent Malta. This project continues to demonstrate the commitment of the Government and Local Councils to create more quality public spaces that serve as a place of recreation for families and residents, while continuing to improve the quality of life in Maltese communities.
Photo: MTIP/MEEC-DOI
