12,000 public consultation contributions shape national parks plan

White Rocks has taken another step towards becoming a national open space for the public, with initial works carried out to make parts of the site safe and accessible.

The update was announced by Environment and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, together with Project Green, as the results of the Shape Your Space public consultation were presented. The consultation focused on the future of three national parks: White Rocks, Manoel Island and Fort Campbell.

Between December and April, more than 6,000 submissions were received through the ParksinMalta.mt platform. In parallel, Project Green organised around 100 workshops and focus groups with residents, students, families, elderly people, local councils and NGOs, bringing in a further approximately 6,000 participants.

Minister Dalli said this process has given Government a clear direction on what communities want from these public spaces. She stressed that open spaces are at the heart of community life, places where families meet, children play and communities come together.

“This is the policy we want to implement: a policy that does not leave public land abandoned and closed off to people. Public land should be used for the public good,” Minister Dalli said.

As part of the first phase, cleaning and safety works were carried out at White Rocks, including the removal of more than 22,000 tonnes of construction waste and dangerous structures. Fencing, signs and picnic benches were also installed, allowing the public to access the area in a safer and more organised way.

Minister Dalli said that White Rocks can now be enjoyed safely by the public, while work continues to transform the site into a national open space that is accessible, safe and worthy of the country.

The opening of White Rocks will allow the community to rediscover the potential of the site, appreciate its existing environment and begin imagining what can be achieved in the next regeneration phase.

The site will also host public activities, including the Spring Festival on 16 and 17 May, giving people an opportunity to experience the area and its potential first-hand.

The contributions received during the consultation were described as consistent and concrete. A holistic plan for the three projects is now being drawn up together with Chapman Taylor, an international firm with 13 studios around the world.

Project Green Chief Executive Joseph Cuschieri said the aim of the campaign was to ensure that the public is heard before the design process begins. He said the active participation of students, young people, families, elderly people, local councils and NGOs has led to concrete ideas that will now be reflected in the regeneration plans.

The message behind the project is clear: public land should serve the public, and open spaces should be planned with the communities who will use them.