Works are underway to transform the parking area by the Parish Church in Rabat into a pedestrian zone for public enjoyment, a government statement read Wednesday.

With a joint expenditure of €850,000 between the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and Infrastructure Malta (IM), the project includes the design and installation of new paving, enhancement of the designated area, installation of new lighting to improve the aesthetics of the surroundings, as well as the installation of new benches.

The project is expected to be completed by June of this year, it said.

The details were announced during a visit by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo, Transport Minister Chris Bonett, and Rabat Mayor Sandro Craus, as well as representatives from the MTA, IM, and the Foundation for Cultural Heritage of the Archdiocese of Malta.

Bartolo said that this is another major project through which Malta will continue to upgrade its tourism product.

"Rabat has great potential for both cultural and religious tourism. It is essential that we continue to invest to strengthen the competitiveness of the Maltese Islands for the future," Bartolo said.

Bonett emphasized that projects like these will continue to be prioritized because they benefit the community.

"This regeneration of an area that was previously used for parking use will now offer open space for both residents and the many tourists who visit this area throughout the year,” Bonett said.

He said that government is committed to continuing work to enhance infrastructural projects that elevate the aesthetic value of every locality, while providing leisure spaces for those who visit.