The Garden in front of Spinola Palace, which lies close to Portomaso in St Julian's, will be rebuilt in the coming months thanks to an investment by the Tumas Group.

Permits are already in place for the new garden, which should be completed by the beginning of summer, Roads and Urban Development Minister Jesmond Mugliett said at a press conference at the Hilton yesterday. The garden is designed according to Baroque motifs to complement the historic building.

Besides the actual garden, which will be built with a Lm200,000 investment by the Tumas Group, there will be a number of roadworks to reorganise traffic in the area carried out by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT).

Following its completion, the garden will be open to the public and maintained by the St Julian's local council.

Environment Minister George Pullicino said the garden would start closing its doors after sunset to prevent vandalism - which is not uncommon any more.

In its present state, the garden attracts a large number of youngsters at night, especially in weekends, given its proximity to Paceville.

In the evening, however, it may be used for private functions and receptions by NGOs or companies who would be able to use it through agreement with the authorities, he said.

Mr Pullicino said the football pitch would be relocated to Ta' Giorni, "in a more appropriate location" given the importance of recreation through sport. But it is not in the best of places at this point in time, he added.

George Fenech, from the Tumas Group, said the money invested in the garden, which will be enjoyed by the public, was an expression of group's corporate social responsibility.

Architect Victoria Valletta, from Demicoli and Associates, said the garden would have a number of open spaces and trees to create areas of shade.

More information about the project may be obtained from: info@mrae.gov.mt.