The Mepa board approved, with just one negative vote, an application for the construction of what was described as a ‘landmark building’ on waste land with some derelict buildings in it.

The site is between Triq il-Qala and Triq il-Qawra, where the main road exiting from Qawra does an S-bend while going uphill.

The development will lead to the construction of 36 lock-up garages, 28 three-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments and a huge penthouse on top, 169 sq m in area.

Presenting the designs, architect Bondin said he was inspired as to the design by the old Marsovin building constructed by the late Perit Spiteri.

Only some 50% of the area is to be developed and the design, with receding balconies and a changing outline, is quite striking.