Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536039
6 NEWS 6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 JUNE 2025 Xemxija development set to include 124 flats NEW plans have been submitted for a mixed-use development in Xemxija that will include 124 apartments. The proposed development is on a site measuring 9,873sq.m between Triq Radett ir-Roti and Triq is-Sikar. The project is being proposed by Xemxija Estates Limited, a company owned by Charles and Paul Polidano. The apartments are planned on six levels, above two commer- cial floors that will include padel courts, a food market with retail shops and restaurants, a fitness centre, and seven levels of un- derground parking. The development will rise to eight floors above the existing street levels on both sides, ben- efitting from the site's sloping topography. While the original application was limited to the development of seven underground parking levels, it has now been revised to include the overlying commer- cial and residential components. In its reaction to the latest plans, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage reiterated its call for an archaeological evalua- tion of the site before any works are approved. According to the plans, the de- velopment will have a building footprint of 4,048sq.m, while 5,430sq.m are being allocated for public open spaces. The En- vironment and Resources Au- thority (ERA) has reiterated its request for a Project Description Statement to determine which environmental studies are re- quired. The company has also submit- ted a parallel zoning application to remove a planned—but never constructed—passageway con- necting Triq is-Simar and Triq Radett ir-Roti, which would have divided the plot in two. Instead, the zoning application proposes two passageways linking the two streets, passing on either side of the plot. This would pave the way for the mixed-use develop- ment, which would be surround- ed by roads on all sides, as envis- aged in the latest plans. The St Paul's Bay local council has objected to the zoning appli- cation, describing it as a "savage intensification" of the area. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt MaltaToday launches dedicated support services page for readers MaltaToday has launched a dedicated help page offering direct links to support services for readers affected by domestic violence, child abuse, substance misuse, mental health issues, and other sensitive matters. The new page, now live on maltatoday.com, serves as a centralised hub of information for individuals seeking assis- tance. It lists helplines, government services, and non-govern- mental organisations working across a range of areas includ- ing gender-based violence, drug rehabilitation, suicide pre- vention, and child protection. MaltaToday will also be em- bedding prominent links to the page within articles that deal with sensitive or distressing subjects, ensuring that readers have quick access to support when they need it most. "This initiative reflects our re- sponsibility as journalists to not only report on difficult issues, but also guide our audience towards help when it matters," said MaltaToday Online Editor Karl Azzopardi. "We want the Support Services Page to be a standing resource for people in need—whether they're ex- periencing hardship directly or supporting someone else who is." Readers are encouraged to share the Help Page with oth- ers and to reach out to services listed if they or someone they know needs support. To access the help page go to: https://www.maltatoday.com. mt/help MaltaToday launches dedicated page offering direct links to support services for readers affected by domestic violence, child abuse, substance misuse, mental health issues, and other sensitive matters KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt