Vjal Kulħadd represents a new direction in Malta’s infrastructure planning, placing people, communities, and sustainability at the heart of how streets and public spaces are designed and used.

Infrastructure Malta’s Vjal Kulħadd initiative marks a significant shift in transport and urban planning in Malta, placing people and communities at the centre of street design rather than prioritising vehicles. Translating to “Streets for Everyone”, the programme promotes safer, greener, and more accessible public spaces through collaborative planning with local councils and non-governmental organisations. Supported by an initial investment of €10 million, the scheme encourages proposals that integrate pedestrian and cycling facilities, green infrastructure, and sustainability-focused design.

Launched in response to long-standing challenges within Malta’s dense urban environment, including road congestion, limited public space, and environmental degradation, Vjal Kulħadd seeks to reimagine streets as social and ecological spaces rather than simple traffic corridors. The projects selected in the first phase, covering more than 100,000 square metres, demonstrate the initiative’s holistic approach. These range from redesigned village squares to upgraded residential streets featuring improved pavements, dedicated cycle lanes, native tree planting, and permeable surfaces to address flooding and urban heat effects.

One of the earliest completed projects connects Żejtun and Ħaż-Żabbar, where a one-kilometre stretch was reconstructed to include safer pedestrian routes, cycling facilities, improved lighting, and stormwater management systems. These include a reservoir designed to collect water for agricultural use. The temporary pedestrianisation of the route during its inauguration symbolised the broader aim of the initiative, which is to create public spaces that encourage community interaction and healthier mobility choices.

Vjal Kulħadd reflects a growing recognition within Maltese infrastructure policy that public spaces should contribute to wellbeing, sustainability, and local identity. The use of indigenous plants, enhanced accessibility features, and traffic-calming measures highlights a commitment to environmental responsibility and social resilience. Furthermore, the involvement of local councils and civil society organisations in project development strengthens participatory planning and helps ensure that interventions respond to the needs of local communities.

Looking ahead, Infrastructure Malta plans to complete the first phase of the programme by 2026, with additional proposals already under evaluation. As Malta continues to face mobility and space constraints typical of small island states, Vjal Kulħadd offers a forward-looking model for integrating active mobility, environmental stewardship, and inclusive design into national infrastructure planning.