The Mall Gardens project in Floriana was completed through work by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) and an investment of €4 million.
This was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia together with CEO of the GHRC Gino Cauchi, in the presence of Floriana Mayor Vince Borg.
“This is no ordinary garden: the Mall Gardens is a historic place that has existed for hundreds of years, and that since the knights’ period and the years that followed has always been at the centre of activities and historical events, as shown by the monuments that shine a light on the personalities who left a mark on our country’s history. That’s why, as a government, we thought to invest in this project to restore its dignity,” the Minister said.
The interventions included:
- Rebuilding of all the necessary services such as light fixtures, water and internet;
- The fixing of two door sheds under the garden;
- 7,500 square meters of new paving of the entire garden;
- About 2,000 square meters of new paving for an entire sidewalk that goes around the garden;
- Trimming the fence around the garden to make it lower;
- Maintenance of all the iron around the mall and around the monuments;
- Restoration of the arches at the entrance to the garden;
- Restoration of all the monuments;
- Rebuilding of the fountain including the sculpture that was completely redone;
- A new lighting system on the inside of the garden;
- Upgrading the pavement and road lighting system around the garden;
- Installation of CCTV camera system;
- New irrigation system for trees;
- Wi-Fi facilities.
“We listened to the local council and residents of Floriana, who consider this garden to be an iconic one in their locality, and took action. Among other things, they pointed out the lack of security in this garden in the evening. We took on board the advice of experts in restoration, who pointed out that the fountains, monuments and walls all needed to be restored. Above all, we wanted to continue to fulfil the government’s vision of creating more open spaces. We look forward to see this garden enjoyed by everyone and kept in a decent state,” concluded Minister Farrugia, adding that as of the 15th of October, Ambjent Malta will be responsible for the maintenance of the project.
From his end, Mr Cauchi said that GHRC is looking forward to continue giving rise to other projects in various localities that the entity is carrying out in accordance with the government’s vision to create more open spaces and give back areas to the public in a suitable state.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister