St Anne Street pedestrianisation still on the table as underpass ruled out

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli has confirmed that, following a review of past archaeological and geotechnical studies, an underpass in St Anne Street Floriana, is not feasible.

The studies revealed the presence of historical remains, making such a development impossible.

Dr Dalli also announced that a new study is currently underway to assess the potential traffic impact of pedestrianising St Anne Street.

This study aims to explore new possibilities and opportunities for the project and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, she added.

The proposed pedestrianisation project has sparked controversy in recent weeks.

In October, the Floriana Local Council criticised the Government for a lack of consultation regarding plans to partially pedestrianise the street.

In a statement, the Local Council expressed dismay after learning that Dr Dalli and Project Green CEO Joseph Cuschieri had announced a 2025 pilot project to test the feasibility of pedestrianising the road on specific days of the week.

"The Local Council expresses strong disapproval, once again, over the lack of discussion about a project linked to St Anne street,” the statement read.

The council also noted that a meeting it had requested with Dr Dalli weeks prior had yet to take place.

The council added that its last meeting with the Minister occurred years ago and reiterated its call for a discussion on the project, which it argued “will potentially affect Floriana’s residents and the commercial community in the street.”