An artist’s impression of the Tigné business centre.

The Tigné business centre will be offering a range of different solutions, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach’, in an effort to ensure it can tap into specific sectors.

Mark Weingard, who recently pumped €11.7 million into the Midi business centre project, has brought considerable energy as well as a fresh approach, while the board of the joint venture company, Mid Knight Holdings – chaired by Midi director Joe Gasan – has been meeting several times a week.

“It is not about providing the money. I wanted to add real value,” the veteran entrepreneur said.

By the time he got on board, Midi was on the verge of awarding the €25 million construction contract, and the new strategy has worked around this in order to save having to go back to the drawing board.

However, the make-up of the eight-storey building has changed dramatically. The top two floors, known tentatively as The Summit, will be divided into nine to 10 offices per floor, possibly financial services companies and ones that provide complementary ancillary services, ranging from lawyers to accountants.

“These companies require between 50 and 250 square metres but we will be providing a much better finish on these floors. We are open to other sectors but appreciate that these might not require that level of finish,” he said.

While most of the centre will probably offer two- to three-year leases, the first floor – The Catalyst – will offer serviced offices with a receptionist.

“We believe there is a demand for temporary office space, say companies coming to Malta to prepare a bid, or others that win a contract and need time to set up a more permanent presence. And, of course, there might be firms waiting for space to be freed up in The Summit,” Mr Weingard said.

Mid Knight Holdings is already talking to a few companies interested in taking one or more floors each, leaving the other floors for companies with up to 250 employees.

“This is going to be the most prestigious office address in Malta,” Mr Gasan added, pointing out that The Point offered the opportunity for executives to live nearby, with a lifestyle on offer which included top food and beverage outlets and a gym, among other amenities.

“Splitting the centre into different zones will add to its uniqueness.”

Construction should be completed towards the end of October 2016, ready for the first tenants to move in at the beginning of 2017.

Mr Weingard also revealed that he – through another of his companies – is interested in taking 20 short-let, one bedroom apartments in Midi’s Tigne Point Q2 building.

“I have already started negotiations. I believe it would make a lot of sense to have serviced apartments for people who have to do business with companies in the business centre,” he said.