Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manché has explained his vision for a pedestrianised and car-free town, a bold and ambitious plan that could transform the way people live, work and move around.

Borg Manché told Lovin Malta that, in an ideal scenario, he would like to remove all the street parking spots that take up immense public space and replace them with two large, underground car parks.

With parking spaces gone, pavements will be widened and plenty of trees will be planted to reduce air pollution and traffic noise.

He said he already tried to fully pedestianise Triq Manoel De Vilhena, but was met with pushback from authorities due to concerns over parking. The project now consists of a semi-pedestrian road that will be closed for specific events, but Borg Manché clearly has something bigger in mind.

Gżira has a population of around 13,000 people and is known for its bustling streets, commercial outlets, and tourist attractions. One of the most densely populated towns in Malta, it is facing significant challenges related to traffic congestion, air pollution, and road safety.

The mayor’s vision for a pedestrianised and car-free Gżira offers a solution that could address these challenges while creating a more liveable and sustainable city.

By removing cars from the streets, the plan would create more space for people to walk and cycle, while wide pavements and plenty of trees would make the city more pleasant and accessible. This could also provide an opportunity for local businesses to thrive, as more people are likely to visit shops, cafes, and restaurants that are easily accessible on foot or by bike.