Planning Authority, Mediterranean Tourism Foundation sign €5m public spaces partnership

The Planning Authority and the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation have signed a public social partnership agreement to carry out projects aimed at improving public spaces in the country under the Malta Sabiħa initiative.

The agreement was signed by Planning Authority executive chairman Johann Buttigieg and Mediterranean Tourism Foundation representative Andrew Agius Muscat, in the presence of Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri.

The partnership will see the Planning Authority fund projects focused on embellishment, regeneration and placemaking across Malta and Gozo, including coastal areas.

The authority has allocated an initial €5 million from its Development Planning Fund. Funding will be issued in phases for approved projects, subject to governance and reporting procedures.

The Mediterranean Tourism Foundation will coordinate with local and international stakeholders to develop and implement projects. The initiative aims to bring together expertise and partners to support the delivery of public space improvements.

The programme is intended to support national policy objectives outlined in Malta Vision 2050, including land and sea management, tourism development and sustainability.

The initiative will also include an annual international conference to present progress and engage stakeholders.

The Planning Authority and the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation said they will continue collaborating on projects under the Malta Sabiħa initiative.