Gżira mayor Neville Chetcuti has expressed caution over three proposed high-rise developments planned around the former Empire Stadium area, warning that projects of such scale must be assessed carefully to determine their impact on residents, infrastructure and the wider locality.

The Planning Authority currently has applications before it for three major tower developments in the area, which, if approved, would join the existing ST Tower and create a cluster of four high-rise buildings within an area roughly equivalent to three and a half football pitches.

Asked by The Malta Independent about the council's stance on the proposed developments, Chetcuti said it was still assessing the applications and their possible effects on the locality.

"While the council recognises the importance of investment and regeneration, developments of this scale need to be carefully considered, particularly in terms of their impact on residents, the surrounding area and existing infrastructure," he said.

He went on to highlight concerns over whether the existing infrastructure in Gżira would be capable of supporting developments of such magnitude.

"Issues such as traffic, parking, waste management, sewage and other essential services need to be properly assessed," he said, adding that the cumulative impact of all three proposed developments should be considered rather than examining each application individually.

Chetcuti stressed that the area's ability to accommodate additional demands should be analysed comprehensively before any decisions are taken.

On whether the developers had consulted the local council before submitting their plans, Chetcuti implied that they hadn't.

"They should have come to the council with their proposals before submitting the plans, so we can work and discuss together and see what the council, the residents and the developer can benefit from this project with the least impact possible," he said.

The proposed developments have renewed debate over the future shape of Gżira, an area that has experienced significant transformation in recent years.