This transformative urban initiative aims to convert St Anne Street into a vibrant public space by prioritising pedestrian accessibility, reducing vehicular traffic, and ultimately enhancing community life, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

Placemaking lies at the heart of this initiative-enabling residents, especially younger generations, to meaningfully shape the environments in which they live. By inviting students to observe, reflect, and share their vision for St. Anne Street, Project Green emphasised that improvements to the neighborhood should emerge from within the community itself. Children’s fresh perspectives, creativity, and enthusiasm serve as a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of age, can help influence the quality of public spaces.

During the placemaking session, Project Green Junior Architect, Mirco Azzopardi, explained, ” By engaging children in the early stages of urban planning, Project Green not only inspires future generations to take pride in their community, but also ensures that their voices are heard in shaping a more vibrant, connected community.”

The architects present encouraged the students to imagine the street’s future, many called for more trees, additional color, and safer pedestrian crossings. The students’ recommendations underscore the key goals of placemaking: creating inclusive, welcoming public spaces that reflect the community’s values and aspirations.

The Triq Sant’Anna project, currently in Phase 1, seeks to improve the overall quality of life in Floriana by boosting pedestrian safety, and cultivating a stronger sense of neighborhood identity.

This collaboration with young students underscores how placemaking can unify communities, nurture local talent, and create shared, sustainable public spaces that stand the test of time. The transformation of St. Anne Street represents a significant step toward a more people-centric, community-driven approach to urban development-one that places the well-being of residents at its very core.

The area worked on

The works in this project respected the existing environment. Several recreational areas were created in this garden, including a picnic area, playground for children, and even a dog park. The new equipment in this garden is made from natural and recycled materials. There is also a new lighting system that uses solar energy, and security cameras have been installed around the garden. The project was carried out by GreenServ, a branch within WasteServ that implements green projects in urban areas.

Also present was the Minister for the Environment, Energy, and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Miriam Dalli, who explained how important spaces like these are for the community. “It is satisfying to see students of various ages enjoying this garden where, through their teachers, they continue to shape their educational experience away from the traditional classroom environment. Through this garden, we are giving new life to this area to continue providing a better quality of life for the residents of Cottonera and the surrounding areas,” stressed Minister Miriam Dalli.

Also present at the inauguration were the Chief Executive Officer of WasteServ Richard Bilocca, the Mayor of Birgu John Boxall, and the Councillors of the Birgu Local Council. Next Saturday, from 4pm onwards, an event with entertainment for the whole family will also be organized in this garden.