Location, target market and a variety of properties are three main aspects that distinguish the Pendergardens development from most other major projects.
The concept behind Pendergardens, being developed by Pender Ville Ltd, aims at achieving a modern and contemporary lifestyle based on quality, open spaces, generous living spaces and convenience - where everything surrounds you.
The development targets the middle to the upper end of the market, providing villas and one-, two- and three-bedroomed apartments and studio flats. The residential zone will be totally car-free, providing a safe, quiet and tranquil environment within walking distance of Spinola and St George's Bay.
Pendergardens was given the green light following a public hearing by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), held after a lengthy planning process of no fewer than 16 months, including the submittal of several detailed studies, such as a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Traffic Impact Statements.
The project
The developer's vision has been to create a residential haven for calm and comfortable lifestyles, with high-quality living units of varying sizes, in a central, highly sought after location, close to all amenities, yet providing much-needed open spaces in a car-free zone with cleaner and fresher air. The development will provide sustainable value for purchasers.
The developer has also complemented the residential area with a flanking commercial zone enjoying the highest quality of services and infrastructure to ensure that the quality of life is bettered through reduced travel time and pleasant aesthetic surroundings.
Pendergardens is a prestigious self-contained development covering an area of 18,500 m2 strategically located in St Julian's, close to the busy shopping and entertainment areas, offering all the amenities of a metropolitan centre, yet with all the comforts and security of an exclusive community, where everything is within easy reach. The development surrounds a large square creating a peaceful and tranquil setting. Private and public open spaces are designed keeping in mind a relaxing, healthy and practical lifestyle for future residents.
The choice of residential properties at Pendergardens is varied and imaginatively designed. Options will include three-bedroomed family units in semi-detached blocks, studio flats, one- and two-bedroomed apartments, many with open sea, town and country views.
Prospective buyers will be given various options on finishes, done by top Maltese interior designers. There are also 16 plots for detached and semi-detached villas, most with pool. These plots will be accessed through a private landscaped road.
Apart from the pjazza and gardens, a multi-storey car park (of which the top two storeys will be exclusively for residents), a health and fitness centre and a pool area complement the development. Pendergardens also has instant access to one of Malta's main arterial roads.
Residential area
Practically all of the 330 residential units will overlook the landscaped pjazza (the size of Queen's Square, in Valletta, set on two tumoli of land), or the landscaped pedestrian streets. The higher-level apartments will enjoy panoramic views of Spinola, Balluta Bay and beyond. These are large, bright apartments, most with terraces, balconies, en-suite facilities and laundry rooms, offering a functional and efficient lifestyle of ease and comfort surrounded by diverse but complementary activities.
Coupled with style is service. Pendergardens and the adjacent Mercury House site offer premier services to its residents; these include privacy, round-the-clock security, swimming pool and wellness centre, catering facilities, entertainment zones and cosmopolitan restaurants, wine bars, bistros and pubs, quality retail, and leisure and sports facilities nearby, underground parking and traffic management, business facilities, Internet, satellite and other services.
Commercial spaces
Over the past years there have been dramatic changes in the property pattern. Purchasers have consistently opted for living spaces which reflect lifestyle aspirations with commercial facilities close at hand.
The commercial space at Pendergardens will be built to the highest standards within the landscaped estate, providing a healthy environment for office workers and visitors. Targeted at high-growth business sectors looking for flexible working environments, the commercial area is easily accessible, centrally located within the island and will offer state-of-the art facilities.
Landscaping
The development ranges from low- rise three-storey buildings to exclusive high-rise residential towers. Plots for semi-detached villas will average 215 m2; however, only 40 per cent will be built on.
The apartment blocks and the towers will surround a landscaped 2,400 m2 square. An 800 m2 swimming pool with surrounding deck area and private landscaped gardens will be positioned to the west of the towers. A further landscaped garden and pedestrian throughway on the east of the towers creates another open space between the development and existing buildings.
Mercury House
The developers will leave no stone unturned to restore Mercury House, located on the northern part of the site. Previously used by Maltacom, it is of historical interest and one of the few surviving 19th century buildings which service St Julian's. It is a two-storey symmetrical building raised on a podium, built in Victorian style, which up to 1964 was used by the British Forces as a signalling station.
Under Mercury House there is a labyrinth of bombproof service tunnels and chambers constructed during the Cold War period. These are situated on four floors underground and could have been used as a communications hub at times of threat.
Management team
The management team is headed by Edmund Gatt Baldacchino as chairman, Peter Diacono as CEO, and Michael De Maria as sales and marketing manager, while iAS, (Innovative Architectural Structures) and Randolph Camilleri Surveys Ltd are the project management and cost management teams respectively.
Bencini & Associates are the project architects, while Mediterranean Technical Services Ltd are the mechanical and engineering consultants.