Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli, officially inaugurated the regeneration project at the entrance of Senglea and the restoration of the bastions surrounding Fort St Michael.
The project, led by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), was carried out in four phases and involved a total investment of €4.5 million. Works included the restoration of the entrance area and Fort St Michael’s bastions, the iconic clock tower, the gardjola, and the repaving of Pjazza Mitrovich. A new staircase connecting the square to the school side of the area was also rebuilt. The project also provided for the creation of a new public square and extensive work to improve access to the belvedere area.
The Prime Minister described the project as one in a series of high-quality investments taking place in the Cottonera region. He said that Vision Malta 2025 speaks of a country inspired by its historical heritage and driven by progress, one that promotes a healthy quality of life for everyone. He emphasised the central role that Local Councils continue to play in delivering such projects.
“We have created a modern, open space for the community to enjoy right at the entrance of Senglea,” said Dr Abela. He described this as a project for the benefit of the wider Grand Harbour community, which in the past was often overlooked but today has become a magnet for quality investment. “This is the type of transformation we want to keep delivering—something we work on every day. But we must always do so with a sustainable approach, ensuring that the community enjoys the best possible quality of life,” the Prime Minister added.
Minister Miriam Dalli remarked that the project created another space for the people. “A space that I’m convinced will be brought to life with activity, culture, and unity—and this isn’t a one-off project. Just a few steps away, in recent months, we opened Kalkara Square. We also have Villa Portelli Garden, the garden at Glażiż, and the small Ziam Garden. Because for us, the environment means a better quality of life, a more beautiful country, and one that is more accessible and fair for everyone,” Minister Dalli said.
GHRC CEO Gino Cauchi added that the Corporation is already planning other major projects in different localities. He noted that following the investments in Kalkara, Senglea, and another ongoing project in Vittoriosa, the Corporation is fully committed to carrying out further regeneration work across the Cottonera area.
During the course of this project, a number of rooms were discovered and transformed into a daytime centre for the elderly. Managed by the Senglea Local Council, this new space will also be used for exhibitions and other social activities for the local community.
Also speaking during the inauguration, Senglea Mayor Clive Pulis expressed his satisfaction with the project. “It gives me great joy when I walk through the streets of Senglea and see the happiness in the eyes of our elderly residents, who can now once again enjoy the beauty of this Fort and the spectacular view over the Grand Harbour from an open, revitalised space,” he said.
