PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGENERATION OF THE GRAND HARBOUR Regeneration works begin at Patri Ġwann Frendo playground in Pietà

1,570-square-metre area to be transformed into a recreational space for the whole family

Project Green has commenced regeneration works at the Patri Ġwann Frendo playground in Pietà, with the project set to modernise an existing recreational area that had fallen into a state of neglect. Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli visited the site together with the Project Green team, Pietà Mayor Stefano Savo and other members of the Local Council.

Covering an area of 1,570 square metres, the project involves the upgrading and embellishment of the existing open space with modern equipment and improved facilities. Around 800 tonnes of construction waste have already been removed from the site.

The works include the installation of a reservoir to support an automatic irrigation system, allowing the area to be maintained sustainably over the long term. Sustainability will also be enhanced through solar-powered electricity systems. The project will include new children’s play areas, benches and tables, as well as safer and more modern pathways and access points.

More than 40 mature trees will be planted in the garden, together with a number of shrubs. Alongside the trees already present on site, this additional planting will strengthen the local ecosystem and provide more shade for visitors seeking to relax and spend time in the area. Some of the trees and plants will be indigenous species. The planting will be supported by an automatic irrigation system supplied by a newly excavated 45-cubic-metre reservoir, ensuring more efficient use of water.

“Once again, we are seeing regeneration works taking place in another open space, where the continuous work being carried out by Project Green is giving a new lease of life to an area that had been neglected. Once completed, this project will provide residents and surrounding communities with a greener, safer and more inclusive environment where families and friends can meet, relax and enjoy quality time together,” Minister Miriam Dalli said.

Pietà Mayor Stefano Savo said, “This is a much-needed project for our locality, through which our local playground is being regenerated thanks to the support of Project Green.”

Project Manager Dylan Abela Spiteri explained that, as part of the initial phase of works, the existing equipment was removed to pave the way for the remaining works, which will also include the installation of new playground equipment.

The project forms part of the Community Greening Grant scheme and is being implemented through a partnership between Project Green and the Pietà Local Council.