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The government, through Malta Enterprise, is launching a call for expressions of interest for the construction, development and management of Corporate Village Malta, a unique urban regeneration project at Mriehel industrial area which will become Malta's premier business district.
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said that an architectural icon that will also be a leading landmark energy-efficient building, capable of capturing the aspirations of a nation, will be at the heart of the Village.
"Corporate Village Malta sets out to be the embodiment of the Government's Vision 2015+," Malta Enterprise said. "Carrying an investment that is estimated to reach almost €200 million, Corporate Village Malta intends to achieve the vision of excellence by becoming the focal point within the booming central business district in Malta.
"The project seeks to respond not only to government's strategic vision, but also to the window of opportunity that arises from the demand for high quality office and commercial space in Malta - which is expected to grow as the country develops further and expands its services sector."
ME said that Corporate Village Malta will be the main hub of activity for the events taking place during the six months of Malta's EU presidency in 2017. It will also serve as the government's single point of contact for business, with the location of the main regulatory and business support agencies and departments.
While the government is guaranteeing a minimum occupancy of 30 per cent of the office facilities, including storage and archiving, the project development, operation and marketing will be entrusted to the private sector.
The Village will cover 130,000 square metres but have a footprint of only 35,000 square metres on the site of the former Dowty factory and adjoining properties.
Tenants are expected to include organisations dealing with commerce and trade activities, such as those offering fiduciary services, legal services, brokerage and international trade. A proportion of the site will accommodate retail premises to serve the day to day needs of the employees, as well as dining facilities for conferences and exhibitions; leisure and sports; child care and relaxation.
The call for expressions of interest closes on September 3 after which Malta Enterprise will issue a Request for Proposals to the short-listed parties. The preferred bidder will be granted an emphyteusis for 50 years.
Works are projected to start in 2012 and be finalised by 2015.