Construction magnate Żaren Vassallo is planning to transform the former Lowenbrau brewery on the outskirts of Qormi into a huge supermarket and reception halls, just a few metres away from another large-scale store.

The idea is turn the existing factory in Qormi into a mixed use development with two function halls, a supermarket, a garden centre, an administrative office and surface parking.

The factory site will be transformed into one whole complex that will incorporate the industrial kitchen presently used by catering company Catermax with a supermarket covering 2,100 square metres of floor space, 1,400 square metres of retail space, 1,900 square metres of multipurpose function halls and almost 1,000 square metres of office space, according to the project description statement drawn up by the architect. It also includes a car park with 162 bays.

With the financing already in place, the project “will convert the existing underutilised site into prime development”. It was expected to enhance the market value of the surrounding properties, the report said.

The area was upgraded by the private sector and the government through the redevelopment of the Marsa sports village and the project would generate new jobs, it pointed out.

The existing superstructure will be kept while the roof extension will be built using lightweight steel elements. Most of the building materials will be manufactured locally and transported to the site or are recycled.