Project Green is planning to revitalise a 2,430-square-metre area within the grounds of the San Ġorġ Preca College Ħamrun Secondary School, to provide an improved green open space for students and the area’s community.

 

Before concluding the project plans, the Agency is consulting the community, including the school’s students and educators, residents, and other stakeholders, to identify their ideas for this new open space.

 

In its initial proposals, Project Green proposes an open space incorporating a corner farm garden, a courtyard, an obstacle course race, a reservoir, and a rain garden (bio-retention pond). The latter is a special type of garden that helps clean and manage rainwater, keeping the water clean so it can be harvested and reused. It uses plants and soil to soak up rain and prevent pollution.

 

The project is being coordinated through a collaborative effort involving Project Green, HSBC Foundation, the University of Malta, and AP, exploring nature-based solutions to revitalise neglected areas within public school grounds. Circa 450 students attend the San Ġorġ Preca College Ħamrun Secondary School, which provides state education up to Year 11. This project is also supported by the Prince’s Trust.

 

Project Green CEO Steve Ellul emphasised the primary goal of creating a sanctuary where students can spend leisure time in a safe, tranquil environment and where educ

ators can have an alternative outdoor learning space to deliver the curriculum. This investment will replace rigid concrete surfaces with permeable paving, natural shading as well as durable and visually appealing urban furniture. This open space will also be accessible to residents during certain hours of the day, benefiting around 8,850 households within a 10-minute walk radius.

 

“Project Green aims to leave a positive impact on the lives of the community, particularly youths, ensuring equal opportunities for success irrespective of backgrounds or challenges faced,” Ellul said.

 

Head of College George Galea commended the collective effort to provide a safe and empowering environment that helps students reach their potential. Hamrun Mayor, Christian Sammut also expressed his support for the project, emphasising its positive impact on the community.

This particular project will also be supported by the Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by the United Kingdom’s King Charles in 1976. The Prince’s Trust focuses on supporting 11 to 30-year-olds facing challenges such as unemployment, school struggles, homelessness, poverty, mental health issues, or legal troubles, helping them build skills, and confidence, and find employment.

 

Project Green, the agency within the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise, is currently working on several other similar projects, introducing pockets of green spaces within urban areas. Similar projects have already been implemented in Kalkara, Qrendi and the San Klement Family Park. Preparations are underway for other major urban greening developments in other areas, including San Gwann, Bormla, Fgura, and Naxxar.

 

The new open space at the San Ġorġ Preca College Ħamrun Secondary School is also support

 

ed by the Ministry for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation.