MEPA renews PP for the Metropolis Development Project

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board earlier today renewed planning permission for the development of three high quality, tall buildings as part of the Metropolis Development Project in Gzira.

MEPA said that this high-rise development will include the construction of 191 high quality residential units, spread over three buildings, ancillary amenities for residents including a health club, offices, retail outlets including a supermarket and underground car park facilities. “This €60 million investment project which will see the upgrading and regeneration of the area around Triq Testaferrata will also include a large public piazza.”

The entire site has a total area of 6,675m² and fronts four streets namely Triq d’Argens, Triq Enrinco Mizzi, Triq Giorgio Mitrovich and Triq Testaferrata. The building heights of the three tall buildings will be of 13, 27 and 33 floors respectively.

“While some years back the applicant had utilised planning permission for the demolition and excavation works on the site of the formerly Mira Motor showroom, not so for the development of the three tall buildings, which permit has now been renewed for a further 5 years,” MEPA said

The Board also granted planning permission for the development of an illegal excavated basement car park which was constructed underneath the already approved car park facility within the Tal-Virtu Seminary. The Board imposed a maximum fine of €2300 and a planning gain of €10,000. The Planning gain was requested in lieu of the potential loss of any archeological findings that may have existed on site.