In a spirited effort to foster a greater sense of community ownership and involvement, Project Green engaged Year 5 and Year 6 students from San Ġorġ Preca College Primary School in Floriana to take an active role in the design process for the Triq Sant'Anna (St Anne Street) project.

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.