PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS AND THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL PROGRAMME Work[...]

Land that had been abandoned for many years along Triq il-Kosta in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is being transformed into a modern park of around 5,500 square metres - the first open space of this kind in the area, designed to serve as a centre for community life, recreation, and nature.

The project, which will be easily accessible to around 1,250 residents living within a 10-minute walk of the site, is now in an advanced stage of implementation. Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli and Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi visited the site where they observed the substantial progress that has been made.

"Our vision for our country is continuing to become a reality. This project is a concrete transformation of abandoned land into a high-quality open space that will be enjoyed by thousands of families living nearby. It will be the first open park of its kind in the area - a safe space serving families, children and the elderly, with distinctive features such as a zipline and a pirate ship that will make it a destination for active recreation. We are continuing to invest in sustainable spaces that improve quality of life and bring nature closer to people," said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Park forms part of a wider investment of €15.8 million, with the majority of the funding supported by European Funds. He noted that the specific investment at this site amounts to almost €1 million, adding that this significant contribution shows how European Funds are being delivered through concrete projects that make a difference in people's lives and in the country's environment.

The Minister added that through these funds Malta is continuing to invest in high-quality green spaces that not only strengthen biodiversity and improve the microclimate, but also create a safer, more accessible and sustainable environment for the whole community. According to him, this is a clear example of how European Funds are supporting a long-term vision for a cleaner, greener country with a better quality of life.

After the construction of a 540-cubic-metre reservoir - crucial infrastructure to provide water for the park's sustainable irrigation - work is now moving into the final phase, which includes pathways, public facilities, and the installation of recreational elements.

The park will include informal play areas for all ages, with innovative features including a zipline that will attract children and young people to spend more time outdoors and encourage physical activity. Around 200 new trees will be planted, expected to provide shade over about 3,100 square metres of the site, improving the area's microclimate and strengthening biodiversity.

With an investment of nearly €1 million, the project is funded through EU Funds under Measure 8.5 and forms part of the Community Greening Grant Scheme. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Naxxar Local Council so that the park reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents.

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