Environment Minister Miriam Dalli, along with members of the Attard Local Council and Project Green, has inaugurated Ġnien tal-Fuklar in Attard, a government statement said.

It said that the project transformed a previously underutilised, concrete-heavy site into a functional and ecological public garden that strengthens the quality of the surrounding environment.

Located within a ten-minute walk for over 7,000 residents, Ġnien tal-Fuklar offers a welcoming green space for recreation, social interaction, and everyday use.

By reclaiming a neglected area, the project improved environmental conditions while creating a space that is easily accessible to the local community, it said.

"These projects show how urban regeneration can be practical, measured, and focused on everyday needs. By improving accessibility and planting more trees, we are making better use of limited space while strengthening the environmental quality of our towns and villages," Dalli said.

She added that this garden is a clear example of how targeted action can deliver real benefits for residents within their immediate neighbourhood.

The regeneration works were guided by principles of ecological responsibility and long-term use, and all existing trees and shrubs were retained to preserve the site's established ecological value.

Concrete-paved areas were excavated to a depth of one metre and replaced with suitable soil, allowing for the planting of an additional 25 trees and 283 shrubs.

Permeable paving was also introduced to improve water absorption and reduce surface runoff, while seating and shaded areas support regular and extended use of the garden, the statement said.

Accessibility and connectivity were key considerations throughout the project, as pathways across the site, including those leading to the elderly meeting area, were designed to be barrier-free.

Two existing gardens were linked through Porfido paving, improving pedestrian circulation and better integrating the space with its urban surroundings, the statement said.

Additional features such as a gazebo and trellis structures support climbing plants and provide shaded areas for gathering.

Plant species were also selected to support biodiversity, and irrigation water is supplied from an existing reservoir, ensuring a more sustainable use of resources.

The interventions enhance both the environmental performance and the social function of the site.

Mayor of Attard Stefan Cordina thanked the Ministry and Project Green "for the great help to the locality, from which residents will benefit."