“Vjal Kulħadd” (literally “Everyone’s Avenue”) is an ambitious initiative aimed at reclaiming public spaces across Malta, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists while reducing vehicle dominance. The objective of this project is to create more accessible, sustainable, and vibrant urban areas that foster community interaction and improve overall quality of life.

At the heart of the Vjal Kulħadd project is the reclaiming of public spaces from vehicles and redirecting focus towards people. By creating pedestrian-friendly areas, the initiative enhances urban mobility, providing safer spaces for walking and cycling. The project prioritises the environmental aspect by promoting the introduction of green spaces, better stormwater management, and indigenous tree planting. As a result, these changes not only improve the visual appeal of these areas but also contribute to biodiversity and sustainability.

The project is being executed in phases. Minister Chris Bonett announced that Infrastructure Malta, the government agency overseeing the initiative, received 40 applications from local councils and environmental NGOs. Out of these, 13 projects were approved for the first phase, with 13 additional projects currently under evaluation for the second phase. These projects span across various towns and villages in Malta, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the community while preserving cultural heritage.

Key Projects Underway

The Vjal Kulhadd initiative includes several key projects aimed at transforming urban spaces across Malta:

1. Ħ’Attard – Regeneration of the town square with the removal of certain roads and the replanting of citrus trees to promote community wellbeing and preserve local heritage.
2. In-Naxxar – Renovation of Triq John Ayde with a more pedestrian-centric design, including the planting of indigenous trees and the creation of spaces to appreciate local heritage.
3. Ħaż-Żebbuġ – Transformation of Ħal Mula into a more sustainable area, prioritising pedestrian zones, multi-purpose sports courts, and ecological infrastructure.
4. Is-Siġġiewi – Improvement of 3km of Triq Mons. Mikiel Azzopardi with pathways for cyclists, enhanced pedestrian safety measures, and green spaces for better connectivity.
5. L-Imsida – Temporary pedestrianisation of Triq Oscar Zammit to promote community events and sustainable urban mobility with vibrant street designs.
6. Fgura – Reorganisation of Triq Hompesch into a ‘slow street’, incorporating wider pathways, indigenous trees, and stormwater management for improved accessibility and aesthetics.
7. Ir-Rabat – Transformation of Saqqajja into a green public space with preserved biodiversity, stormwater management systems, and facilities for community events.
8. Il-Mosta – Preservation of cultural heritage with a focus on pedestrian-friendly design, enhanced stormwater infrastructure, and green spaces in the heart of Mosta.
9. Il-Mellieħa – Reconfiguration of Triq Selmun to improve pedestrian access, introduce green infrastructure, and collect stormwater for sustainable irrigation.
10. Il-Furjana – Addition of bike lanes and green corridors along Xatt iċ-Ċangatura to improve access for pedestrians, reduce noise pollution, and create a community space.
11. Ħal Safi – Redesign of Misraħ il-Knisja with a focus on pedestrian prioritisation, traffic reduction, and the creation of a safer, more ecological plaza for social interaction.
12. Ħal Kirkop – Improvement of Triq il-Madonna tan-Niċċa with wider pavements, green spaces, and stormwater collection systems to foster safety and sustainability.
13. Ħal Tarxien – Transformation of Triq San Tumas with enhancements to pedestrian infrastructure, green spaces, and stormwater management to create relaxing areas for the community.
14. Iż-Żurrieq – Redevelopment of Misraħ Santa Marija with paving, tree planting, and a fountain to prioritise pedestrians in the village centre.

Through these diverse projects, Vjal Kulħadd is charting a path toward a more sustainable and people-centric urban future for Malta. Not only do these changes improve local environments, but they also encourage a more inclusive society, one where communities can come together, interact, and benefit from better, safer public spaces.