A previously abandoned site covering around 5,500 square metres along the Coast Road has been transformed into Ġnien it-Tbissim, a new open space designed particularly for families and children.
The garden was inaugurated by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and European Funds Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti in the presence of the Project Green team and representatives of the Naxxar Local Council.
Around 1,250 residents live within a ten-minute walk of the garden, giving families in the area a nearby green space that can be reached on foot and where children can play safely.
Among the main attractions for children are a large pirate ship. The garden also includes a range of inclusive play equipment for different age groups, including a zipline, trampoline and climbing logs, providing children with more opportunities to play and stay active.
The development of Ġnien it-Tbissim represents an investment of around €1 million, co-financed through European funds. Works included the construction of a reservoir with a capacity of around 540 cubic metres, natural stone paving, sanitary facilities and modern play equipment. Security cameras were also installed throughout the site.
The garden will have around 500 trees in total, including 200 new trees planted as part of the project to strengthen the site's natural environment and local biodiversity. Once the trees and vegetation reach maturity, it is estimated that around 57% of the site, equivalent to 3,135 square metres, will benefit from natural shade.
During the inauguration, Minister Miriam Dalli said the project is another example of the Government's continued investment in open spaces, reflecting its belief that gardens such as this improve families' quality of life and help strengthen communities.
“Throughout the works on this project, we saw strong public interest, and this encourages us to continue working and investing in more open spaces. Over the past years, together with Local Councils and other organisations, we have brought abandoned land in our towns and villages back to life. We have done the same in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, where a previously neglected site is now an open space where families living in the area can come together with their children and friends," Minister Miriam Dalli said.
Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti said, “European funds are instrumental in enabling our country to continue investing in the environment and creating accessible, attractive and inclusive public spaces for Maltese and Gozitan families." He added that a key priority in the management of European funds is to ensure that every funding opportunity translates into tangible improvements in citizens' quality of life and a more sustainable environment for future generations.
Dylan Abela Spiteri, Project Manager for the project, expressed his satisfaction that Ġnien it-Tbissim is now being enjoyed by residents of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq as well as the wider public.
The project is financed through European funds under Measure 8.5 and forms part of the Community Greening Grant Scheme.
Ġnien it-Tbissim is open daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm during the summer months and from 7:00am to 8:00pm during the winter months.
