Families have expressed frustration at the lack of a reopening date for the President’s Kitchen Garden, nearly two years after the popular Attard garden closed its doors to the public.
In a Facebook post from August 2024, the Office of the Presidency informed the public that the Kitchen Garden would close for necessary works.
The kitchen gardens at San Anton Palace were a popular space for families and young children. The nine-tumoli garden included a cafeteria, an €800,000 eco-park and a petting zoo.
Since then, there have been no updates on the works carried out or a timeline when the garden will reopen to the public.
Commentators on social media said they were “fed up” of sending e-mails to the President’s Office, only to be told works are ongoing. They said they were disappointed there were no updates, most likely because no works have taken place.
“We loved the Kitchen Garden, it was a perfect outing with families. San Anton gardens, then Kitchen garden to play, enjoy a coffee and some food. We really enjoyed it for years. Shame it’s closed because it truly was a family fun treasure.”
Nearly two years, and not even one photo uploaded to show such works, most likely because no works have happened- Commentators on social media
“Nearly two years, and not even one photo uploaded to show such works, most likely because no works have happened.”
“And then we speak about ‘open spaces’ for families,” another posted in the Facebook group ‘Are You Being Served’ earlier this week.
No reopening date
A spokesperson for the Office of the President explained the works required for the Kitchen’s Garden go “beyond a simple facelift”.
“Over the past months, work was carried out to clear and dismantle dangerous and unsafe structures, including unsafe flooring and equipment,” he said.
A detailed survey of the site is currently under way, while urgent reconstruction works on areas identified as unsafe, of the perimeter rubble walls, are planned to be initiated in the “coming weeks”.
Due to the sensitivity of the area, the spokesperson said the Office of the President is closely working with various government entities towards the implementation of the project.
When asked for a timeline for the works and reopening, the spokesperson said official statements will be issued once all discussions are concluded.
The Kitchen Garden first opened its doors to the public back in 2011, after an 18-month project launched by then-President George Abela.
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