The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) has approved the construction of a 12-storey tower in Gżira.

The development consists of a mixed-use commercial and residential block on the site of the former United Garage, on a three-way junction between Triq il-Gzira, Triq ir-Rebħa and Triq Tas-Sliema.

It will include three underground parking levels, a ground-floor cafeteria, and a public open space with overhanging offices.

An application for a four-storey and penthouse development on the same site had already been approved by Mepa in 2011.

In their presentation, the developers highlighted that the public space on ground level would be of approximately 62 per cent, above the 50 per cent required by law.

The building will feature have a green-wall and a visual focus on transparency and verticality, which the developers said would minimise the aesthetic impact on the surroundings.

Shading studies showed that overshadowing would be limited to the roofs of surrounding buildings, they said.

The development is being considered as part of a long-term plan to serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area.