Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1382687
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 JUNE 2021 15 COMMERCIAL Frank Salt Real Estate's Marsaskala branch welcomes new manager CareMalta Group to extend its services to Gozo THE CareMalta Group has signed a 65-year lease agreement with La Stella Philharmonic So- ciety for a property in Victoria to be developed into a 60-bed facili- ty in the heart of the community. This is an important mile- stone for the group, which will be extending its services to Gozo for the first time. Formerly known as the Astra Discotheque in its heyday, the property, built in the shape of a tower, is located at the foot of the Citadel, just behind the Astra Theatre. Inaugurated by Gozo Minister Anton Tabone in 1989, this top entertainment venue changed its name along the years, first to Planet Disco- theque and later to KU Club, closing its doors in 2019. In a short address during a symbolic ceremony held at the Citadel on June 5, Nazzare- no Vassallo, chairman of the Vassallo Group, which is cel- ebrating its 75th anniversary this year, said: "Our group had been looking closely at Gozo for some time. When this offer came up, we immediately vis- ited the site and, after a thor- ough assessment of the pro- posed changes and extension required to change the build- ing, we decided to go for it. "Our vision for Gozo has al- ways been that of looking for a location in the vibrant heart of the community, where our spe- cialised services are easily ac- cessible and with all amenities just a mere stone's throw away. The site, located right beneath the spectacular Ċittadella, is just the perfect place – away from chaos yet right at the hub. "While hoping to transform this unused site into a facility that will serve the community in the years to come, I look for- ward to a long and fruitful re- lationship and to bringing this important project to fruition." Natalie Briffa Farrugia, CEO of the CareMalta Group, said the company had come a long way since 1993, growing from strength to strength over the years, increasing its presence and diversifying its services. "We have also commissioned a study, in collaboration with the University of Malta, in or- der to establish and better un- derstand present and future social needs in Gozo." Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, dean of the Faculty for Social Well-being at the University, who will lead the study, praised the direction the group was taking towards understanding communities, saying that it was a step in the right direction and augured well. "It is only through the collection of evi- dence-based data that we will be in a position to serve our communities well." La Stella Philharmonic Socie- ty and Astra Theatre president Michael Formosa expressed satisfaction at reaching a deal with a reputable group such as CareMalta, especially at a time when the club and theatre were renewing themselves. "Through this arrangement, the property will be reinvent- ed to offer a valuable service to the wider community. This is a significant development in the club's history, as its assets will be deployed in a manner that is more consistent with its ethos," he said. Also present for the launch were Pio Vassallo, CEO of the Vassallo Group, James Sciriha, the CareMalta Group's direc- tor of finance, Ruben Vassallo, director of HILA, Janet Silvio, executive director of HILA, members of the Vassallo fam- ily, as well as senior manage- ment teams. FRANK Salt Real Estate Group has wel- comed Ritan Grima to its management team, as the new manager of the Marsas- cala branch. Grima started off her career working with an architectural firm, having al- ways had a passion for architecture and interior design. Her keen interest for re- al estate quickly turned into her career and she has been working with Frank Salt Real Estate since 2017, as a senior sales consultant at the Balzan branch. Throughout these years, she has gained professional knowledge and expertise in the field, thanks to her outgoing per- sonality and strong leadership skills, empathic nature and love and dedica- tion to the job. Nurturing and servicing her clients is her foremost priority. Grima never stopped learning and currently, her education is further made up of a kaleidoscope of studies which include psychology, philosophy, mar- keting, business, alternative medicine, interior design, business law as well as training. "I am extremely proud and grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead this very hard-working and dynam- ic team at the Marsascala branch" she said. "I will work hand in hand with my team and adopt an open-door policy; I will focus on fostering their creativity, motivate, support and guide them to achieve their career goals and be our future responsible, reliable and profes- sional real estate agents." "We are confident that Ritan, together with her team in Marsascala, will con- tinue to offer our clients, professional, ethical and honest advise, in order for all clients to experience a sterling cus- tomer service'' company director Dar- ren De Domenico said. "I am sure that the energy and drive of Ritan and her team, will allow us to strengthen our market share in the South and achieve the desired results in the very near future." Ritan Grima