The long awaited ODP permit has now been issued to Metropolis Developments for the first of a series of major projects that will spark off the urban regeneration of a central area located just metres away from the Gzira and Ta’ Xbiex sea fronts.
Metropolis Developments is working together with Maltese architectural firm EM Architects with Edwin Mintoff as lead architect, UK Design firm GMW as design consultants and Capita Symonds (UK) as project managers.
The development being planned will offer a quality landmark high-rise building consisting of four levels of underground parking together with offices, ancillary lifestyle facilities and a mix of spacious residential units. The residential section of the development will include a varied selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, Sky Villas and Penthouses. Every residential unit will enjoy full, unobstructed views of Manoel Island, Sliema Creek and Valletta from the spacious front terraces with all other rooms enjoying impressive inland and distant sea views.
This project will create a lifestyle building, contemporary luxury in nature, focusing on the needs of today’s living standards and practices. Design and space are the focus points behind the concept of the project together with making sure the perfect mix of interaction between residents and visitors is achieved.
The large site fronts four streets in a building formerly occupied by Mira Motors Limited and in what is at present a rundown area at the junction of Ta’ Xbiex and Gzira. It is firmly believed that Metropolis will regenerate the whole area. In fact, it is the company’s expressed vision to encourage further high quality redevelopment in the vicinity and has already embarked on an overall regeneration plan of the area that involves the participation of other companies that share the same vision for the total upgrading of this centrally located urban centre.
The site is also strategically located minutes away from the popular centre of Sliema, the Ta’ Xbiex and Manoel Island Yacht Marinas and offers flexible road access to various parts of the island. Its location offers breathtaking views at the residential levels, which are unsurpassed by any other development on the island. The Valletta fortifications, the Ta’ Xbiex Marina and Sliema creek will be some of the views offered to all the residents in the building irrespective of the size of the apartment they own.
Facilities to be provided within the whole development will range from a fully serviced Concierge to an “Owners Lounge” in the form of a lobby, the first of its kind in Malta. The project will provide other lifestyle facilities that will also include a spa, gym, indoor pool, secure and private recreation areas, ample parking spaces, and an open 17,000 sq mt piazza.
The chairman of Metropolis Developments, Mr J. R. Aquilina stated: “Metropolis Developments have worked hard over the past three years in order to make sure that the project planned shall be a benchmark for the way forward for this area and will kick start the long awaited process of the upgrading of this long forgotten very central part of Malta. Metropolis Developments have a vision for the complete urban regeneration of this area and more good news will be announced in the very near future!”
Metropolis Developments is currently refurbishing its offices, located right opposite the project site, which will house the “Administration Team” as well as the “Sales and Design Lounge”. These offices will be fully operational by mid August 2007.