Re-use of public benches located on promenades and other open spaces

One of the work components by the Agency is the repair of benches that are situated in public gardens, open spaces and on promenades. A study conducted by TZRA on the inventory of benches located along the promenades in Malta resulted that there are circa 2000 benches of various materials, mostly a combination of timber, metal and stone. If the benches in other open urban spaces and public gardens are included, it is estimated that in total there are around 5000-6000 benches. Most of the benches have been in place over a decade, some well over 2-3 decades, and due to wear and tear, damages, sea-spray deterioration and vandalism, their condition is not optimal.

The Agency implements a structured programme to repair, refurbish and repaint existing benches using environmentally responsible methods and materials. The process involves a review of the condition of the benches, particularly the timber slats and the metal bases. If the condition is determined to be unreplaceable these are removed from site and disposed. Those benches that are repairable, on-site or at the workshop, are stripped down, the wood is treated against fungus by using water-based materials, where applicable, and then are re-assembled and transported to the site or a different location, depending on the case.  This initiative aims to extend the lifespan of public assets, reduce waste generation and enhance the aesthetic quality of public spaces in a sustainable manner.

In fact, over a 32-month period, in 2024-2026 (up to August), the Agency handled 2277 benches, these were either repaired and kept in the same location or shifted to another location. Only around 3% of the 2277 benches were new, replacing those that were very damaged and non-repairable. These benches were situated in different locations in Malta at the northern, central and southern areas.