The planning authority yesterday gave its final approval for the building of the Metropolis Plaza, a block of three high-rise multi-purpose buildings aimed at regenerating Gżira.
After a short debate on a number of technical issues, and a heartfelt appeal by architect Edwin Mintoff for the project not to be held at a standstill any longer, the Mepa board decided to issue a full development permit.
There were no objections to the project during a public hearing but the authority still imposed some conditions on the developers.
The Planning Directorate explained that not enough detail had been given to the ventilation aspect of the building, particularly because the application did not specify exactly how the necessary ventilation of the bottom floors and parking areas would be developed.
The directorate feared that the ventilation structures, such as ducts and piping, might have required structural changes but the developers assured the board that this was not the case.
"We need the permits in our hands. This cannot wait any longer, otherwise the project will not be feasible," Dr Mintoff said, after the company agreed to give Mepa a detailed plan of the ventilation system within two days.
After this reassurance, the board voted in favour of the development.
The towers rise to 13, 27, and 33 floors respectively and consist of 4,000 square metres of office space, a 2,000 square metre open piazza and 500 underlying car spaces.
The development will also provide 118 residential apartments with views of Sliema Creek, Manoel Island, Valletta and the Grand Harbour. These will include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses, duplex penthouses and sky villas.
The chairman of Metropolis Developments Ltd, Joe Aquilina later welcomed the board's decision and said the project would inject €60 million into the economy, taking into consideration construction, finishing, consultancy and technical expertise.
The project is being marketed as a lifestyle project as it will provide a 24-hour concierge service, access to a gymnasium and spa, a supermarket and other stores.
Demolition and excavation works in the area were concluded last summer.
Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar has praised the project as having a strong element of regeneration in a depressed area.
cperegin@timesofmalta.com