Work on the development of the Ta' Qali National Park, extending it by 30 per cent, is about to start, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said yesterday.

The works are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

The project, which includes the transformation of the former runway into the rest of the park, is estimated to cost Lm250,000.

It is being carried out by workers from the Parks, Afforestation and Countryside Restoration Department within the ministry.

The existing park footprint covers 33,400 square metres. Another 9,800 square metres are being added through the second phase of the project.

The stretch of road known as the runway would no longer be accessible to traffic, which would be deviated to the road parallel to the Pitkali. Two car parks are being built at either end of the road, in front of the existing colonnade.

Through the project, the colonnade is being united with the area in front of it, in which 600 trees have already been planted, so that, by the time the physical infrastructure is in place, the soft landscaping would be ready and they would have grown and matured, Mr Pullicino said.

The first phase had targeted the back part of the park, which had been neglected, but was now being frequented by the public, particularly during weekends.

Permits for the project were already in hand and were in line with the Ta' Qali Action Plan, which was reviewed last year, Mr Pullicino said.

Eventually, a third phase of the embellishment would be tackled, close to the picnic area. It would include playing field and adventure park equipment, Mr Pullicino said.

Lighting was being installed up to the stadium for more safety by night.