SmartCity Malta has reached an advanced planning stage and contractors are ready to begin construction as soon as the green light is received from MEPA, Fareed Abdulrahman, SmartCity CEO said.

He made his comment after a board meeting which discussed progress registered by SmartCity Malta and its forthcoming developments.

“SmartCity Malta has reached an advanced planning stage. We have contractors and consultants on board who will be abiding by SmartCity’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and green building initiatives, and who are ready to begin the construction of SmartCity Malta as soon as we receive the green light from MEPA. This is an exciting juncture to be at and one step closer to being part of Malta’s realisation as a Smart Island”, Mr Abdulrahman said.

During their meeting, the directors recorded the “significantly high interest” that SmartCity Malta has generated in its first phase, which will be launched and operational in 2010. This phase will feature 12,000 sqm of ready-to-operate, state-of-the-art, intelligent office space and will be the base for companies catering for the European and North African region.

“The board also noted the high interest created by the retail spaces offered by SmartCity Malta which will cater to the knowledge workers and professionals within the self-sustained township,” SmartCity Malta said in a statement.

Extending over 1km of Mediterranean sea-front, SmartCity Malta will offer business and lifestyle amenities featuring state-of-the-art office space, shopping and dining boulevards, panoramic areas and freely accessible open spaces.

SmartCity Malta is the largest foreign investment in Malta of USD 300 million, and also the largest job-creator under one roof in Malta's history. Over an eight year period, SmartCity Malta is committed to creating 5,600 jobs.

Earlier today, MLP environment spokesman Leo Brincat urged the SmartCity developers to give importance to the environmental aspect of the development, particularly in view of its high demand for energy and the consequential impact on emissions produced by Malta.

Such concerns were also expressed on Saturday by the Ramblers' Association.

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