The popular Smart supermarket in Birkirkara could be demolished and replaced by a complex seven times as big. Developers have applied for planning permission to level the six-level building, which currently takes up almost an entire street block on Naxxar Road and three side streets.

If the plan gets the go-ahead the new complex would be spread over nine levels – four of them below ground. The aim is to provide more retail floor space, a food court and parking for 828 cars. The proposed redevelopment involves expanding the site to about 9,700 square metres. The present site has three levels above ground and three below and includes a supermarket, a coffee shop and offices.

The floor area would be increased from about 10,200 square metres to 76,543, according to an environment impact report.

There is currently a surface car park providing between 50 and 60 spaces and a basement parking area with another 71 spaces.

The report said the present supermarket had an “inconvenient split-level layout which came about from its piecemeal and incremental expansion over the years”.

If approved, the new store would have a reorganised layout and remain on one level. However, the sales area would be more rectangular, allowing for wider aisles and better sales efficiency, the report said.

The frontage along Naxxar Road would be widened and there would be a substantial setback, allowing for the creation of a landscaped piazza.

Waste generated during the construction phase would be in the form of excavation and demolition debris.

It would mainly be made up of soft stone, with the material re-used where possible.