From an area that could have been developed, Pembroke residents will have access to a new garden at the heart of their community, as Project Green is carrying out works in the locality.

Work continued progressing during a visit to the area by Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli, Project Green CEO Joseph Cuschieri and the Project Green team, and Pembroke Mayor Kaylon Zammit.

The area is being revitalised through works carried out in this new garden using permeable materials, allowing rainwater to filter through and by promoting sustainable water management. The works will furthermore ensure accessibility to all visitors.

Minister Dalli described the works to transform almost the 9,000 square metre area into an enjoyable garden as transformative. “Instead of using this area to build apartments, we are creating a vibrant green space that will be accessible to everyone. This project reflects Government’s commitment to regenerating and creating open spaces close to residents’ homes,” she stated. William Harding Garden is among several projects set to be completed this year.

A once-concreted area is being converted into a green garden to enhance biodiversity whilst providing recreational and relaxation spaces. This project includes a 120-metre restored traditional rubble wall and the revitalising of an existing underground reservoir adjacent to the site to promote sustainable water use.

It also includes excavation works, where 1,800 cubic metres of materials, including concrete and large debris were excavated and permeable surface and footpaths, were created.

Back in September, Project Green hosted a consultation session with residents to further explain the project and listen to residents’ suggestions. Following this consultation, the Agency took note of the residents’ comments and proposed new designs which included more trees and shrubs, to promote community engagement.

On this point, Joseph Borda, Project Manager on the project said that “Work in this garden began as soon as we removed the concrete; then we started laying down the soil so that the next step would be to plant the trees and other plants. This is another project in a series of initiatives that Project Green is working on in Malta and Gozo.”

The Mayor of Pembroke, Kaylon Zammit, expressed his satisfaction that Project Green has included Pembroke in its plans to provide open spaces and gardens at the heart of communities. He said that this garden will be enjoyed by residents and will serve as a green lung for the locality. The Mayor stated that these type of project collaborations will lead to initiatives being implemented for the benefit of the residents and of Pembroke.​