An extremely modern and original building design in the shape of a ship will house a new business centre on the outskirts of Paceville, overlooking St George’s Bay.

The project got the go ahead from the planning authority board yesterday. A derelict villa will be demolished and the stretch of land it sits on will be turned into a state-of-the-art commercial centre with almost 3,000 square metres of office space.

The Exalco Business Centre, which was designed by architects DeMicoli and Associates, will be spread over two floors and a recessed penthouse, as well as an underground car park for 31 cars.

The triangular site has access from Dragonara Road and St George’s Road and overlooks St George’s Bay. A public staircase linking the two streets will be widened.

During yesterday’s sitting, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority board imposed an additional condition: that the bottom part of the building cannot be further developed to house commercial activities such as shops.