Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise of Malta

08/08/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/09/2023 08:44

PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND ENTERPRISE: Works on new open space in Birgu starting soon

Press Release

PR231227en

09/08/2023

PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND ENTERPRISE: Works on new open space in Birgu starting soon

Main Content

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A 9,000m2 green area for the community

GreenServ and Project Green are launching a project to open a green area in Birgu to the public, with different recreational zones including a picnic area, a playground and a dog park.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli visited the site of this new garden with WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca, Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, and Birgu's Mayor John Boxall.

This 9,000m2 open space, larger than the size of a football ground, is situated in the heart of Cottonera, in an area known as 'Fuq il-Glacis'. A short distance away from Birgu's Gate of Provence, the area forms part of the fortification of the Santa Margherita Lines.

The project's design places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the area's heritage. It also ensures that the new pathways and recreational facilities coexist harmoniously with the mature trees already on site. These trees will continue to be maintained, retaining the beauty of this green area. The new garden will feature picnic tables and benches, a children's play area, and dog exercise equipment.

The new pathways will make the space accessible to all. Part of the garden's new lighting system will be powered by solar panels. All necessary equipment will be crafted from sustainable wood and recycled materials, while the pathways will be formed using reclaimed materials.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained that this investment of around €500,000 will provide the local community, including residents, workers, and students of Birgu, Bormla, and Kalkara, with another open recreational space surrounded by greenery.

"This is another investment in a better quality of life for these communities, as part of our €700 million plan to create more green spaces in Malta and Gozo, so that everyone can have a green open space not far from their home. In the coming months, we will continue working on many other environmental projects in other localities," Miriam Dalli said.

The implementation of this project and its subsequent maintenance routines were planned to minimise carbon emissions, prioritising long-term sustainability.

The new garden will be opened to the public next year.​

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