by Francesca Vella

The huge project that is set to regenerate a central area in Malta is changing the way things were done traditionally, Metropolis Developments Ltd CEO Stephen Muscat said yesterday.

Mr Muscat was speaking at a press event at the Metropolis Developments Sales and Design Lounge, during which a detailed model of Metropolis Plaza in Gzira was unveiled.

The Lm35m (EUR81.5m) Metropolis Plaza will become Malta’s tallest building in just over three years time, with three towers having 15, 33 and 27 floors respectively, set on a footprint of 7,000 square metres.

Mr Muscat said the project, in an area close to the former Empire football stadium, is the first of its kind in Malta and certainly a dream turning into reality for its investors.

He said the three local councils that are likely to be affected by the development

"The project kicked off about five months ago and the local councils did not receive any complaints from neighbours," he said.

Metropolis Plaza consists of a mix of high quality residential apartments, sky villas, penthouses, as well as commercial and retail units.

Fronting four streets, the building is set to be an avant-garde high-rise super structure around a central 1,700-square metre plaza, planned to become the centre of interaction of both residents and visitors, with its water features, restaurant, cafés and gardens.

Metropolis Plaza will also offer the facilities of a commercial and retail segment cleverly planned and designed to enhance the aesthetic value of the area and respecting the privacy and security of residents.

Above the commercial section and below the residential area, another open space will be created offering an elevated and secure garden and terrace planned exclusively for the use of residents and club members. The garden level will surround the gym, spa, pool area and jogging track.

Ample underground parking facilities will be available and residents will have the added luxury of dedicated floor areas with direct lift access to the residential level.

Metropolis Developments company director David Aquilina said that every apartment would be designed around the personality of its residents, each of whom would be invited to choose from a selection of concepts and moods specifically created for Metropolis Plaza by Dordoni Architetti of Milan.

He said the carefully designed living spaces were aimed to maximise the extensive and spectacular view

Metropolis Developments chairman J.R. Aquilina explained that the company is made up of a group of investors who have identified the potential behind regenerating a central location.

Mr J.R. Aquilina said the investors, together with the board, decided to put together international experts from various fields and countries.

He said: "The focus of this innovative and vibrant project is the creation of a landmark high-rise building that will not only be a benchmark in architectural design and living standards, but is also the leading process of the ongoing regeneration of the Gzira marina district."

The team consists of leading architect firm EM Architects Malta, designers GMW UK, project managers Capita Symonds UK, technical services MTS Malta and interior concepts Dordoni Architetti from Italy.

Metropolis Developments announced that the first set of residential units in one of the three towers will go on sale to the public as from today. The Sales and Design Lounge is located opposite the site and will be open to the public today between 9am and 6pm.

For more information regarding purchasing a property in Metropolis Plaza please follow this link: