Heritage Malta and Project Green have entered into a landmark agreement to rejuvenate the ample green spaces surrounding iconic Villa Portelli in Kalkara, a joint statement by the two entities said Saturday.
The Memorandum of Understanding was formalized at Villa Portelli itself, marking a significant milestone in the conservation and restoration efforts of this historical landmark. The agreement details collaboration on technical consultancy, habitat restoration, and embellishment works.
Villa Portelli is currently undergoing a transformation into a multipurpose space accessible for public enjoyment. The project encompasses the rehabilitation of the villa’s expansive gardens, spanning over four tumoli. The revitalization efforts will prioritize indigenous planting, sustainable greening, and the creation of relaxation and educational spaces. Innovative gardening techniques, including remote monitoring, will be employed to ensure the gardens thrive while preserving their historical and cultural significance.
Heritage Malta will oversee the protection and monitoring of the site, while Project Green will lead the implementation of the green spaces’ restoration works, including cleaning, removal of invasive species, pruning, and landscaping. The planned works programme outlines a comprehensive schedule for the phased restoration of the site, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to historical preservation standards.
Heritage Malta’s CEO, Noel Zammit, stated that this partnership reflects a shared commitment to conserving Malta's rich cultural heritage and promoting sustainable practices in heritage management. He stressed that by revitalizing these historical villas and gardens, Heritage Malta and Project Green aim to create inclusive and accessible spaces that enrich the local community and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and neighbourhoods.
Project Green’s CEO, Joseph Cuschieri, said that Project Green fully supports the project at Villa Portelli and is committed to allocate any resources required by Heritage Malta to make this project a success. He added that this is a very important and impressive project due to its size and prestige, and Project Green is delighted to contribute and to deliver another project for the public to enjoy.