Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1206972
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS JAMES DEBONO THE developers of a proposed 33-storey high-rise in Gzira have submitted yet another applica- tion to extend the life of a permit first issued 11 years ago. The only sign of the new de- velopment once touted as a game-changer for what was once Malta's main red-light district, is a gaping hole left by excavations 10 years ago. The project, which is set to dominate views of Manoel Is- land, sets a precedent for high- rise development in Gzira. But it was approved before the ap- proval of a policy regulating high-rise buildings in 2014, which includes Gzira among the localities where high-rise devel- opments are allowed. The original permit in 2009 foresaw the erection of three high-rise buildings with a build- ing height of 13, 27 and 33 floors over a public piazza connecting Triq Enrico Mizzi and Triq Te- staferrata. The development was to in- clude 191 residential units, a health club, offices, retail out- lets, a supermarket, and an un- derground car park. The permit was valid for five years and was later renewed in November 2013. In November 2014 the Planning Authority ap- proved amendments to increase the number of parking spaces under the road, and increase office space from 4,600sq.m to 7,815sq.m and to decrease the number of apartments to 110. The permit also included a hel- ipad on one roof, and a commu- nal outdoor swimming pool and deck area on the roof of another tower. The area designated as public open space was increased from 1,840sq.m in the original permit to 4,265sq.m. But a substantial part of this area (2,485sq.m) was "roofed", while the unroofed open space was split on three different levels. This represented a change from the original permit which had envisaged a single open plaza along the existing streets, rather than contained within the project. The permit was due to expire in June 2020. During the PA hearing of 2014, board chairman Vince Cassar had specifically enquired on the time-frames for commence- ment of works. Architect Edwin Mintoff replied that the tenders were ready and works were to commence "soon". Just days before the 2015 local elections, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat officially laid the foun- dation stone for the high-rise – years after excavation had taken place – but since then the pro- ject has lain dormant. In April 2018 the developers told MaltaToday that the project was stalled over the need to cre- ate more parking spaces around the tower's perimeter. Project representative Aidan Barker has denied that the company has not secured financing for the icon- ic skyscraper. "We are actually studying the prospect of exca- vating a further two storeys be- low sea level, which would incur quite a considerable cost, if we go ahead," Barker had said, who explained that the company has been instructed to provide more parking spaces. The project, owned by Libyan entrepreneur Jalal Husni Bey – part of the Libyan conglomerate HB Group – was expected to in- ject €120 million in the economy and to create 400 jobs by 2019 upon completion. But the company says it has been held up by a long legal tus- sle over how to best provide ad- ditional parking spaces. Currently, the gaping hole across the 6,000sq.m plot on Te- staferrata Street is at a depth of three to four storeys at the lower end, with enough space for an underlying car park for 500 bays. But Barker had said that in 2016, the company was informed that the land surrounding the project was not government-owned and could not guarantee that any ex- cavation would not be contested. So the land was requisitioned by the government, and then a ten- der was issued by the Lands Au- thority in October 2016 so that Metropolis could obtain access to the space beneath the roads. However, the development hit another snag over the legal un- certainty as to whether excavat- ing beneath property belonging to third parties could be allowed in this case. "After winning the tender for the area comprising half the roads running along the perim- eter, we could reach an agree- ment on the terms of the tender, specifically with respect to the penalties incurred on delays tied to the excavation for the crea- tion of these new parking spac- es," Barker said. Metropolis: Husni Bey renews Gzira high-rise permit Administration Officer – Legal Administrative Assistant • A pass (at least at Grade 1-5, Grade C or a comparable level) in six (6) subjects at MQF level 3 which must include Maltese, English and Mathematics; • Highly organised, efficient and able to manage own workload. • IT Literate in the use of all Microsoft applications. • Having previously worked in other legal roles is an asset. • A minimum of 3 years' experience within the legal sector; • Able to work under pressure, multi-task and meet tight deadlines; Job Title: Qualifications: Experience: JOB VACANCY MAIN JOB PURPOSE: To take responsibility for the administration of court related matters Directly assists management to function in the efficient management of specific services within the Directorate / Unit; Takes responsibility for the implementation and / or coordination of tasks which require an element of judgment, interpretation or discretion within established policies, procedures and standards; Performs direct supervisory duties of clerical / administrative staff; Represents management on the basis of delegated responsibility. Carries out other administrative and clerical duties as required. Jobsplus permit no. 36/2020 Closing Date: 17th February 2020 https://landsauthority.org.mt/about-us/careers/