40,000 square meters of new open spaces by end of year – Miriam Dalli

By the end of this year, the public will be able to enjoy 40,000 square meters of new open spaces, the environment ministry has said.

“Additionally, over the coming year, the Public Works Department will be undertaking 15 open space projects with a direct investment of €22 million. This investment complements efforts by other entities, reaffirming Government’s commitment to deliver higher quality and more open spaces within urban areas and beyond.”

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia during a press conference at the Hospice Garden. This Garden, set to open in the coming weeks, will provide a peaceful environment where palliative care patients can meet their families.

Minister Dalli also announced that by the end of the year, Villa Portelli Gardens in Kalkara, a new space in Wied Inċita, Spencer Garden in Marsa, and Independence Garden in Birżebbuġa will be opened. Meanwhile, several environmental projects are underway, including 118 projects from Project Green, with an investment of €350 million aimed at improving the standard of living and the quality of the public environment, it said.

“Never before have we had a government that invested in such projects. A few days ago, we shared details on how Project Green is currently working on 118 projects with a €350 million investment, including the creation of new sustainable spaces in areas like Ħal Luqa, Ħal Kirkop, Ħal Lija, and San Ġiljan,” said Minister Dalli.

Among the projects is the development of an open space where the San Antnin recycling plant in Marsaskala once stood. The Minister emphasised: “We’re transforming former waste sites into public gardens to create a quality country, giving Maltese families spaces for peace and recreation. This is an investment in the health and future of our children.”

“Next year, we will open 19 more projects and start many others. Just recently, work began in Pembroke, where a concrete plot will be transformed into a garden. These projects are for families to enjoy, as we work towards a quality country,” concluded Minister Dalli.

Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia stated, “I firmly believe in the importance of having open urban spaces that serve as socially valuable areas for our communities. These spaces are not just about design or architecture, they are places where families can spend time together, children can play safely, and the elderly can find rest in a relaxing and serene environment.” He explained that the Department of Public Works will increasingly focus on how these spaces can serve as hubs of activity and life for local communities.

“The goal is for these to become gathering places where people forge social connections and strengthen community cohesion among residents. As a government, we are committed to continue investing in a country where open spaces serve much more than mere beautification. We want these to be socially valuable spaces for everyone’s benefit genuinely.” The Parliamentary Secretary added that the University of Malta will be a key partner with the Department of Public Works in this approach. “We will begin exploring innovative ideas on how these open spaces can be truly accessible and meet everyone’s needs. This collaboration will help us create environments that beautify our communities and contribute to a better quality of life for all families.”