Malta Enterprise moving to make way for Life Sciences Park
Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks will be moving to the former Institute of Health Care within St Luke’s Hospital, Gwardamangia later this year to make way for the Life Sciences Park, an innovative project with an investment of over €20million.
This project will provide space for researchers and companies operating in all fields related to the biotechnology and medical sciences.
The immediate vicinity to the Mater Dei Hospital and the University of Malta was felt to be necessary for the success and viability of the project, as the Life Sciences Park will be seeking to develop close collaboration with the two entities and create a clustered environment, wherein there could also be sharing of facilities.
The state-of-the-art facilities at the Park will include labs, offices and conference facilities over an area of 10,000 square metres, while a further 3,500 square metres will be used for incubation facilities.
“With the construction of the Life Sciences Park, as well as that of other projects we are working on, we are seeking to provide the infrastructure that will enable the country to move towards a knowledge-based and higher value-added economy,” said Alan Camilleri, executive chairman of Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks.
The move of Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks under one roof will also facilitate a better synergy between the two organizations.
“We are currently merging the two organisations, and having them in the same building will not only improve their effectiveness, but it will also enable us to offer a better service to our clients. Moreover, the move to the new site will also coincide with the commencement of one-stop-shop services as has been announced in last year’s budget and which will keep widening the services already provided by Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks to micro-enterprises and SMEs,” Mr Camilleri added.
Similarly to their previous location in the midst of the San Gwann Industrial Estate, the new premises will also be in a central location and will be easily accessible for clients.
This move is part of a larger plan regarding the investment potential of the area vacated following the migration of the hospital to Mater Dei and the long term plans for Karin Grech and its migration thereof.
Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks will occupy the whole building of the Institute of Health Care, which is still in good structural state but which will have to undergo a refurbishment process to render it of the required level befitting the organizations’ line of business.
Moreover, a whole plan for the strategic development of the enclave previously captured by St. Luke’s Hospital will be articulated so as to maximise the investment possibilities of this asset.
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Jesmond Micallef
Aug 27th 2010, 15:54
Joe Fenech, Malta is not the best country in the world, only countries with an obvious "Personality" disorder think that !! Quite a few come to mind.....
Joe Fenech
Aug 28th 2010, 21:27
Don't know of any. Only saw that mindframe amongst some Americans and many Maltese.
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 17:02
Jesmond Micallef
Who's discussing Roma??? The subject was MALTA ENTERPRISE.
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 17:51
I thought you did, Joe Fenech, please read your first comment under Mr. Jimmy Magro. !!
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 17:55
Was answering Jimmy.
albert leone ganado
Aug 26th 2010, 14:40
I have lost count of the number of name changes and locations Malta Enterprise has been morphing into since its foundation. Whether in the process it has contributed more to promoting Malta's industry and technology is a moot point. This move in my opinion is most unfortunate for it seems than in its new resurrection ME want to commandeer an area which should be put to better use. St Luke's is an ideal place for housing the elderly.Even if the present Government has dismissed this idea there are other uses which make more sense and should be publicly discussed. For example it can be turned into a high tech and biotech research centre and development park with substantial involvement through its ever expanding fruitful research activities of the University of which the IHC building historically formed part. Logic also tells me that it would have made more sense to have placed the Life Science park at the St Luke's site and kept ME at its present site.
It is most unfortunate that decisions seem to emerge out of a hat without transparent discussion of best use in the interest of the Maltese nation.
d.attard
Aug 26th 2010, 13:40
Without entering into the merits of whether Malta is a dump or otherwise, it may be important to appreciate the positives, but also take note of the negatives. Acknowledging a problem is half way towards solving it.
We must admit that our building culture has produced the most horrendous of sprawls, unhealthy urban centers where the quality of life is dull at best, the way we went about our transport needs has not only cluttered our island, not only been ineffective to serve capillary destinations needed to sustain a vibrant economy, but is producing a quality of air that is so very detrimental, the quality of our TV fare has produced a hostile culture towards anybody as we have lost even the basic principles of good manners, visiting our Capital City produces eclectic feelings from enjoying the splendid work done on St John's yet the overall environment that remains so shabby, our libraries are an embarrassment, the quality of our beaches poor...we need to pull together and acknowledge the many weaknesses...otherwise we shall continue to live in spin as per the above communiqué and let our daily lives continue to deteriorate.
Jimmy Magro
Aug 26th 2010, 10:42
Malta Enterprise (previously Malta Development Corporation) and MIP can enter the book of records for the single entity with the highest number of "office change" in the world.
Otherwise thay can apply for membership with the ROMA minority group in the EU (but kep away from France as you will not be allowed to eneter).
Why all this costs to transfer offices every four years?
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 11:46
Interesting you mention ROMA minorities in europe. Who knows, maybe one should look at who discriminates in the first place, is it the majority or is it the minority ?
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 11:53
Aren't they the same that go and try to sell Kinnie and Maltese biscuits in trade fairs?
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 12:56
@Joe Fenech, Could you please elaborate ? Thought you left Malta for good, considering you called Malta a "dump" !!
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 15:13
Jesmond Micallef:
Trade fairs exist everywhere not just in Malta!
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 16:35
I have been to some trade fairs abroad and have never seen ROMA people selling Kinnie or Maltese biscuits, or have I misunderstood you comment, Joe Fenech ?
Gino Schiavone
Aug 26th 2010, 10:24
Statistics speak differently about Malta- tourists are coming and Maltese families enjoy a lot of beautiful places- as maltese we should be proud of our heritage and continue to improve- again it is important that we compare with south of Spain, south of France, islands etc and not whole os Spain or England. Malta has a lot to offer in all sectors.
Hopefully in this new Life sciences park and other buidings there is a fitness centre planned where employers and employees can keep healthy during their breaks, before or after work- healthy people to enjoy healthy atmospheres.
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 09:44
Science parks or not : MALTA STILL REMAINS A DUMP!
Go to the villages and see tha post 70s hotch potch of ugly houses with gold aluminums / wood / iron windows and doors... What does Malta think it is? Tuscany? Umbria? Provence? Spain? Thesaloniki? Cyprus? NO IT IS A DUMP !!! It is too late.
You might be able to turn Malta into a Hong Kong or Singapore if you're lucky and rebuild it, but FORGET THE MEDITERRANEAN BEAUTY. You've ruined it for good!
Ryan Bugeja
Aug 26th 2010, 09:59
@Joe Fenech, you should check your calendar cos I think it still shows 1986.
If you live in a dump I don't... the hundreds of thousands of tourists don't visit and return to Malta over and over again to see a dump.
Some people embrace development, others mumble and grumble and make even heaven look like a dump... I'm sorry, but you seem to be one of these people. If you don't like it... you're always free to go to Tuscany, Umbria, Provence, Spain, Thesaloniki, or Cyprus. If you do, enjoy your trip, and good luck with not finding it like a dump there.
J Simpson
Aug 26th 2010, 10:20
And there he goes again!!!! You seem to be a very angry person inside!!! I pity you! Better if you leave the country...will be less of a dump if you did!
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 11:35
Bugeja-Simpson
Been away for over 50 years, paid for my studies myself not like you spoilt kids. Worked my way up...
The Maltese should all be angry at the way post Independence Malta has been ruined by their leader (imbasta inkantaw "Ale, Ale" u "irriduh" !). I encourage you to travel and compare, only then will you be able to do away with your pomposity and misplaced-patriotism.
Where are the 'picturesque' villages you all boast about? Do you call Birzebbuga, Marsaxlokk, Sliema, Bugibba, Qormi, Mosta...picturesque? Have you been to the fantastic villages in Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, Provence, etc????
Maltese villages are a mish mash of shoddily built and decorated buildings. Go and have a look at how houses used to be built under the Brits and before. They thought about the asethetics, the practicality, heat insulation...
Luke Gatt
Aug 26th 2010, 12:13
I have to second Mr.Fenech opinion. I happen to work with tourist and the general comment is that Apart from Valletta and Mdina the rest of Malta is ugly and dilapidated. Contrary to what we Maltese think most tourist see us as arrogant and only interested in their money!
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 12:24
So you call Malta a "DUMP" !! You couldn't have made a better choice in leaving, then.
MALTA IS NOT A DUMP, mr. joe fenech but, YOUR COMMENT IS !!
J Simpson
Aug 26th 2010, 12:51
First of all you are not the only one who paid for their own studies. Second of all I travelled and I lived a lot abroad too and believe me...no where is heaven on earth!!! Not like you migrants say! And please...of all the countries you mentioned you had to also mention Sicily!!!! When I went there all I saw was dust and confusion!!!!!!! Third...the way you speak you seem to be the spoilt brat!! You said you left the country and has been living abroad for 50 years .....I know people like you.......you are far away from your country....SOUR GRAPES!!
Ryan Bugeja
Aug 26th 2010, 13:08
@Joe Fenech: I'm really glad you've been away for 50 years... may I ask where is it you're living? I'm sure you're in paradise from the way you're speaking! And at 28 years of age, I'm still working my way up, enjoying life... travelling an awful lot... loving each and every particular country in its own way and in different levels... and wondering... how people like you still exist in today's world! *sigh!
At your age, it's maybe useless to say 'Get a life!' ... but well... maybe it's about time you get one!
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 13:24
J Simpson:
Leaving Malta was a CHOICE not a punishment !
Stop being so big headed! Malta isn't the jewel it used to be!
The Maltesecan't self-rule. Look what you've done to the island in 50 years!!
----------------
Those criticising Sicily:
Where on earth have you been? To Catania market????
J Simpson
Aug 26th 2010, 14:33
nad when was malta a jewel? In WW2? Come on!!! and 50 years ago leaving Malta was no choice!!! P.S> I'm curious to know where do you live, you haven't said...it seems that you are afraid to tell us!
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 14:44
Joe Fenech, tell me, do you hate Malta ? Why do you write here ? Why do you read the timesofmalta.com ?
Leaving Malta was a choice for you and not a punishment. You did very well, judging from what you write !!
Joe Fenech
Aug 26th 2010, 15:21
Simpson-Micallef:
I never deny that Malta is my country even though during my career I moved round Europe quite a lot (I now live mainly in London but visit my family in Malta regularly).
I invite you to go and see old photos of Malta and see how beautiful it used to be with its full blown Mediterranean character. Go into villages now and you see the damage they've done. None of you have denied what I've said about the hotch-potch and ugly buildings and decoration!
History shows us that Malta can't self rule. Once the colonisers left, culture went and chaos flourished!
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 16:11
Joe Fenech, thank you for your explanation. Malta is not a "dump".
Peter Vella
Aug 26th 2010, 18:22
Joe's right chaps. Surely the gem of a Sliema of 40 years ago was a better contender to the current one? Pot holes, uncoordinated architecture, scrap cars on house and garage rooftops, rubbish on the streets, flytipping ... the list is endless. Yes, we have ruined our gem of a country in our attempts to duplicate an essence which is not Maltese in character (i.e. say high rise buildings = Hong Kong, New York, London etc ... not Maltese in essence). The nostalgia attracting repeat tourists to our island is long gone. Sad. Very sad indeed!
J Simpson
Aug 27th 2010, 08:31
Been to London ten times now! Go visit friends. Anyway Mr Fenech enjoy your life in chaotic, hectic. highly polluted, grey London!!!
Joe Fenech
Aug 27th 2010, 10:01
What a baby!!!
While I enjoy buzzing London, you enjoy your peaceful, unpolluted, picturesque Malta - pajjiz li jimxi fuq ir-rubini where money is no problem, pajjiz mudell ta' l-eccelenza, the best country in the world, the country whose families are a model to the world, the country that has produced so many writers, musicians, actors, scientists, sportsmen....
Please choose the reason of your report below: