A major development project in Qormi which is being proposed by a PN benefactor is being fast-tracked by Mepa for approval tomorrow, well before the general election, the Labour Party said today.
Parky spokesman Roderick Galdes, who is also a Mepa board member and a Mepa employee in a statement referred to the project proposed by construction magnate Żaren Vassallo to transform the former Lowenbrau brewery into a huge supermarket and reception halls, just a few metres away from another large-scale store.
Mr Vassallo wants to 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.
Mr Galdes said this case showed that Mepa did not treat all people in the same way and when the government wanted to help particular persons, it was ready to use all powers available to it.
He said the proposed project would seen the Lowenbrau site changed from industrial to commercial use. The development did not meet requirements for on-site parking.
Furthermore, Transport Malta had given its go-ahead without consulting anyone, despite existing traffic congestion, Mr Galdes said.
Neither had a Retail Impact Assessment being made, when this was the norm for projects of this size.
Mr Galdes said the PL was not against such development projects but planning norms could not be ignored and the PL would therefore vote against this development.
According to the plans, the Lowenbrau brewery 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 multi-purpose 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.