The Planning Authority board today voted against the construction of the Farsons business park, according to a company announcement.
The Planning Directorate had recommended the approval of the permit for the creation of a business park along Mdina Road, Mriehel that consisted of international Grade A offices with landscaped courtyards and multi-level car parking facilities.
The €40 million development was earmarked to complement the rehabilitation of the Old Brewhouse that sought to restore and convert the industrial space and included a Visitor Centre Experience with supporting food and other retail outlets, flexible workspace and additional amenities.
The project designed by Ian Ritchie Architects Limited, with the support of Malta-based engineers, TBA Periti, was to have over 18,000 square metres of offices. It was to be completed by 2020.
Simonds Farsons Cisk said that the board of directors would be meeting within the next 24 hours to consider the implications of this "unexpected decision" by the Planning Authority Board.
PA statement
Referring to the company announcement, the Planning Authority pointed out that, despite the proposed development not being in accordance with planning policies, the Planning Directorate recommended the project for approval as it was of the opinion that the proposed development could give additional value to the area.
“During the first public hearing last month, the board members showed concern that the proposal was not according to policy. To address this concern, the applicant decided to suspend the application to prepare a Masterplan. The board agreed and accepted the applicant’s request for a suspension.
After three weeks, the applicant opted not to submit a Masterplan and decided to proceed for a decision with the current policies.
At today’s meeting, the board members noted that the proposed project did not follow the provisions of the local plan and neither the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) policies and expressed a preliminary opinion that they do not agree with the recommendation of the directorate. The final formal vote on the application will be taken at a future sitting.”