A 734-square-metre plot of public land in Birżebbuġa is set to be transformed into a new community garden equipped with swings after an agreement was reached between the Lands Authority and the locality's council.

The Lands Authority and Birżebbuġa Local Council signed an agreement through which the public land in Triq Santa Katarina will be granted to the council for a period of five years, a joint statement by the Housing and Lands Ministry and the Local Government and Public Works Ministry said.

Housing and Lands Minister Owen Bonnici said the agreement was another example of the government working with local councils to ensure public land is put to the best possible use for communities.

"When public land is given a new lease of life and used in a way that addresses the needs of the community, we are ensuring that the country's resources are reaching the places where they can make the greatest difference. Local councils are best placed to identify the needs of their residents, and it is therefore important that we continue giving them the support and space they need to carry out their work," Bonnici said.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli said the agreement reflected ongoing efforts to give local councils more space and tools to implement projects which directly address the needs of their communities.

"The work of local councils is crucial for us to continue improving the quality of life of our communities, and we will therefore continue providing them with the necessary support to carry out concrete projects that make a difference in residents' lives," Zerafa Civelli said.

Birżebbuġa Mayor Scott Camilleri said the land will be transformed into a new garden equipped with swings for residents to enjoy.

The site is centrally located in the locality, next to the primary school, meaning the project is expected to be used by many children and families.

The council thanked the government for its commitment to regenerating more spaces of this kind and returning them to the community.

Through the agreement, the Birżebbuġa Local Council will be able to make better use of the public space and develop it into a new public garden for residents.

The project will provide the community with a new recreational and relaxation space while contributing towards a more pleasant, accessible and higher-quality environment for Birżebbuġa residents, the statement said.

Permanent Secretary Ramon Deguara, Lands Authority CEO Robert Vella and Birżebbuġa Local Council Executive Secretary Jordy Brincat were also present for the signing.