More Green Spaces for the Birgu Community

Communities across Malta are benefiting from an increase in better-designed and more accessible open spaces, and Birgu is no exception. In Birgu, works on one of the sites have been completed, while a new project led by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) has now begun — the transformation of a 1,500m² area into a Mediterranean-style garden.

The Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, Miriam Dalli, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness, Glenn Bedingfield, visited the site along with GHRC representatives and the Mayor of Birgu, John Boxall.

The site, previously used for oil storage, is being regenerated into a green open space featuring indigenous plants, picnic areas, walking paths, and an open-air theatre of around 400m² for community activities. This project forms part of GHRC’s broader regeneration works along the Kalkara waterfront.

Minister Dalli stated, “Whether it is major regeneration projects or improvements in localities, we are adopting holistic approaches among all entities to bring open spaces closer to the people. The works in Birgu are a clear example of how we are creating beautiful, accessible, and sustainable community spaces.”

GHRC CEO Gino Cauchi emphasized the sustainable design of the garden: “By placing an 8cm stone layer over 50cm of soil, we are reducing water loss and supporting local plant life. Moreover, a natural water source discovered during a previous project at Xewkija will feed into reservoirs that will help maintain the garden sustainably.”