Expansion and embellishment project of Kennedy Grove to start by end June

‘Nothing is cast in stone yet with regards to the projected construction at Zonqor Point,’ - Environment Minister

Environment Minister Leo Brincat, P.A.R.K.S director Herman Galea and architect Charmaine Tabone Fenech
Environment Minister Leo Brincat, P.A.R.K.S director Herman Galea and architect Charmaine Tabone Fenech
The area of land that will be embellished and made part of Kennedy Grove
The area of land that will be embellished and made part of Kennedy Grove
Artistic impression of the Kennedy Grove embellishment and expansion project
Artistic impression of the Kennedy Grove embellishment and expansion project

Environment Minister Leo Brincat announced that an extension and embellishment project for Kennedy Grove at Salini would be starting in the coming weeks.

“The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year, was the result of an agreement between the Parks Afforestation, Countryside Restoration and initiatives directorate (P.A.R.K.S), and Transport Malta,” Brincat explained saying that the agreement had been reached after TM had taken over some of the Kennedy Grove park for the building of the new Coast Road.

“The extension would see an additional 3,000 square metres added to the park to make up for the 2,000 square metres that had been taken to build the new road,” said P.A.R.K.S director Herman Galea.

Brincat added that the expansion would introduce new facilities that were at present in the park before like added play areas as well as an open air gym.

Brincat also mentioned that embellishment projects would see the addition of printed concrete footpaths and platforms, as well as increased lighting poles, bollards, outdoor furniture, rubber matting and a wooden Gazeebo.

“The existing trees will not be removed, but there will be small entertainment areas created around them. An additional 100 to 150 indigenous trees will also be planted in the area,” Brincat said.

Galea explained that there would also be an area made specifically for children between the ages of 2 and 12, and that the project entailed a lot of embellishment of already existing wooded areas.

Members of the press were then taken to the area where the embellishment would take place where Architect Charmaine Tabone Fenech and Site Manager William Sperandeo, further explained how the new area would be distributed.

Brincat added that the new instalments would use camouflaged colours to blend in with nature, both in the planned animated shaped bins as well as rock climbing and animated spring riders.

‘Nothing cast in stone at Zonqor’ - Brincat

Brincat reiterated the government’s stance that it is open to alternative sites to Zonqor Point for the construction of the Jordanian investment American University of Malta. 

“As Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said, nothing is cast in stone yet. The government has already taken the necessary steps to consider alternative locations,” Brincat said.

Brincat said that the government invited others to make suggestions to find alternative locations.

He added that Muscat’s ‘willingness to compromise’ was a guarantee of the government’s flexibility.

Asked whether the Environment Ministry had made any suggestions for alternative sites, Brincat said that the ministry had not been involved in the site selection.

“We are examining the  sites that have been suggested by the government ant issuing our reaction to each of these sites,” Brincat said.

He explained that it is ultimately the government’s decision, whatever his personal opinion on the subject was. "We always evaluate proposals that come to our attention and I give my reaction where it matters as is my duty to do as environment minister. As a member of government I will then respect any decision taken as is my responsibility to do. Bear in mind that I am not an eNGO who needs to take to the streets to give his opinion. I have always found a good listening ear whenever I had any views to convey to government."