Jason Micallef 'proud' of 'great' €10m Bugibba square project
Landscaping renders proposed leafy green trees, but the shading foliage has been replaced with palm trees and olive trees
Jason Micallef, who headed the Buġibba square €10 million facelift, defended the project, despite the final landscaping differing significantly from the proposed renders.
“Not only am I proud of the project, but I am incredibly satisfied that we delivered in a great way. I am really enjoying seeing Maltese people enjoy the square and children playing there,” he said.
Renders published in 2022 showed the square with lush shrubbery and large, leafy green trees sprouting from the ground, offering shade to people sitting on nearby benches.
However, the regenerated €10 million square, inaugurated last month, saw the shading trees replaced with palm trees and newly planted olive trees.
Speaking to Times of Malta, project manager Micallef defended the change.
He said the square is 50 metres from the sea, so leafy trees would struggle to grow in the area.
Micallef also pointed to issues that fallen foliage could create in the area.
“You have to keep in mind that while there is a project on the surface [of the square], there is another one beneath it, which includes stormwater culverts, a fountain and French drains, a ditch that helps water flow away from areas prone to flooding,” Micallef said.
The project render.Leaves in the area can cause blockages, Micallef said.
The final landscaping was not only appropriate for the area, but could also withstand sea spray, the hot summer and the harsh winter, he added.
The completed project.Asked about shading, the project manager said: “Trees are not the only way to have shade; there are canopies. There are three right now, and next week two more canopies will be installed. I can assure everyone there will be enough shading."
On why the palm trees were not part of the original renders or Planning Authority documents, Micallef said it is normal to have amendments as a project is being implemented.
He also dismissed concern that the project is designed to facilitate more tables and chairs, saying there are strict designations for where tables and chairs can be set up.