PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND THE REGENERATION OF THE GRAND HARBOUR AND THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS, SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Work begins on open space in Floriana

Work has commenced on an area of around 58,000 square metres at the Jubilee Grove (Pinetum) in Floriana, in the area known as Sa Maison. The site is one of the last glacis in the Maltese Islands, with a historical connection dating back to the time of the Knights. This was announced during a site visit by Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and Minister for European Funds Keith Azzopardi Tanti. The Project Green team, Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland and representatives of the Local Council were also present for the start of the works.

Cleaning works are currently underway on site, while restoration works have also begun on the Nissen huts, which were built by the British and later used as stores by a telecommunications company. As part of the implementation of the masterplan by the National Botanic Gardens, these structures will be converted into greenhouses and botanical gardens, and will also serve as training centres.

“With one project after another, we are continuing to provide more open spaces for the public. This time, we are seeing the rehabilitation of a site that had been abandoned for several years and which, thanks to the work of Project Green, will now be brought back to life. At the same time, this project will be linked to a series of other projects being carried out in the Grand Harbour area,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

“With a strong investment of more than €7.2 million in European funds, we are giving new life to this historic 58,000-square-metre area here in Floriana. European funds are a tool to improve people’s quality of life — by creating more open spaces for families, increasing the number of trees, and at the same time protecting our historical heritage and environment in a sustainable way,” said Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

David Ellul, Project Manager for the project, explained that this rehabilitation is an important step towards allowing the public to enjoy another open space that brings together historical heritage and the environment. “The aim of this project is to give new life to this open space, which for several years had been abandoned and exposed to abuse. Through this rehabilitation, we will be creating recreational picnic areas, upgrading the pathways and, at the same time, respecting the existing topography of the site,” said David Ellul.