The first phase of the restoration project led by GreenServ in Ġnien Romeo Romano in Santa Venera has been inaugurated by the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli.

This part of the garden, previously inaccessible to the public, will be adding around 4,000 square meters to the open space in the heart of this urban area. The restoration work sought to make this part of the garden accessible and safe for visitors.

The project included a children’s playground and two decking areas, planned to sustainably integrate the history of this garden while retaining its large number of mature citrus trees, along with another 25 new ones.

"€1.7 million are being invested in the full regeneration of Romeo Romano Garden. This project is another testimony to the Government’s vision and its full commitment in creating more open spaces at the heart of our localities. We believe that such projects are improving quality of life in our localities, while offering families new spaces for relaxation and recreation close to their homes and workplaces,” said Minister Dalli.

Romeo Romano Garden is the second-largest public garden in Malta.

WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca explained that this project is divided into two phases. The second phase will include the restoration of the old gardener’s house.

"We took care to use materials, such as wood, to complement the existing character of this garden, and limited the use of plastic as much as possible," said Richard Bilocca.

The regenerated garden is home to several historical features, including a sienja (water mill) dating back to the nineteenth century. GreenServ restored it together with the water reservoir located beneath the garden and the water channels surrounding the trees. At the same time, the pathways were made safe and accessible for everyone. The first phase also included the restoration of the walls and fountains in this part of the garden and the planting of more citrus trees.

In the past weeks, Minister Miriam Dalli announced the second phase of this project, consisting of the restoration of the old farmhouse. This will be turned into a learning centre focusing on the environment for Ekoskola students and the public, with practical learning opportunities about nature protection and sustainability.

The first phase of the Romeo Romano Gardens project is the eighth Government investment in green open spaces completed this year. Over the past months, Minister Miriam Dalli opened Victor Calvagna Garden in Mosta and inaugurated the transformation of a new roof garden at Is-Sebgħa ta’ Ġunju 1919 Square, Ħamrun – both by GreenServ. Amongst Park Malta’s work, over the past months, a new pocket garden in San Gwann and the Rnella Garden in Kalkara were officially opened. The latter is Malta’s first eco garden.

The Government also completed the regeneration of the Mall Gardens in Floriana and Belvedere Gardens, in Marsa.

The Environment Ministry is also investing in the conservation of valleys, Natura 2000 sites and other areas of natural importance. In 2022, Parks Malta completed the rehabilitation of Liemu Valley, while Ambjent Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority continued the long-term rehabilitation of Comino.

The Ministry has also launched the rehabilitation and afforestation of Nwadar Park.