Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545385
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 JUNE 2026 COMMERCIAL LIDL Malta opens its 12th store in Qormi LIDL Malta officially welcomed the public to its 12th store today in Qormi, Triq l-Imdina, marking a significant new chapter for the country's number one retailer. This milestone reflects 18 years of steady sustained investment from a brand that is deeply rooted in the Maltese islands, moving beyond the traditional retail model to of- fer a shopping experience that is truly part of the social fabric. By expanding its reach, Lidl Malta continues to strengthen its bond with the families it serves, ensur- ing that quality and value remain at the heart of every household. The opening of this 12th store further strengthens Lidl Malta's position as a major local employer with a team of over 550 individu- als. Each new store opening gen- erates over 30 additional career opportunities, providing a signif- icant boost to the local job mar- ket. This expansion is not merely about increasing footprint; it is about investing in people and pro- viding stable, rewarding careers for a growing team across Malta and Gozo. As the number of stores grows, so does Lidl Malta's capacity to support the local economy through its supply chain. Proudly working with a network of over 30 local suppliers and producers, the increased demand for high-qual- ity products enables continuous commitment to locally sourced goods. This growth serves as a direct advantage for Maltese pro- ducers and the local agricultural sector, ensuring that Lidl's growth continues to deliver value to local businesses and the communities it serves. The new Qormi store is designed to enhance the customer journey through a spacious and sustain- able layout. The store boasts a generous sales area of nearly 1,500 sqm, featuring approximately 500 metres of shelving to accommo- date an extensive range of local and international products. This location debuts a modernised, fu- ture-proof layout that prioritises intuitive customer navigation and better orientation through fewer touchpoints and clear area des- ignations. Shoppers will discover distinct themed worlds, where re- lated goods like fresh produce or bakery items are logically placed together. Digitalisation is also placed at the forefront of this next-gener- ation shopping experience. The store acts as a modern "stage" cen- tred on product clarity, boasting a fresh design that integrates dig- ital screens, the Lidl Plus app and newly designed self-checkouts to ensure a quick and effortless exit. To further support convenience for customers, the new store in- cludes over 120 dedicated parking spaces. Social responsibility and com- munity support remain central to Lidl Malta's approach. The com- pany will extend its 'Feed it Back' programme to this store and con- tinue offering Food Saving Bags, ensuring that each new location contributes positively to reducing food waste and supporting those in need. "Our 12th store is a celebration of the unique relationship we have built with the Maltese public over nearly two decades," stated Ow- en Micallef, Lidl Malta Director. "Being the number one retailer in Malta is a responsibility we take seriously. By expanding our team to over 550 individuals and increasing our support for local producers, we are ensuring that our growth provides 'more to val- ue' for the entire islands. Whether it is through career opportunities or our commitment to sustaina- bility initiatives such as the 'Feed it Back', our goal is to remain a deeply rooted partner that the community can rely on." Sun, sky and the taste of the Mediterranean AS the afternoon light softens and the Maltese sky shifts from gold to deep blue, Seed Rooftop is at its best. Tucked above Hyatt Regency Malta, away from the noise yet right in the heart of St Ju- lian's, it is the kind of place that feels familiar the moment you arrive and different every time you come back. The terrace is calm and open by day, centred around the pool with the coastline stretching out beyond. Come evening, something changes. The light drops, glassware catches the last of the sun, music drifts across the terrace, and a space that was quiet becomes something altogether more alive. It is the same place, just a different mood, and a reason to stay a little longer. Mediterranean at heart, global in spirit the food and drinks blend lo- cal seasonal ingredients with flavours drawn from Middle Eastern, Asian and Latin cuisines, carrying the same Mediterranean notes that run through everything Seed does - olive oil, citrus, fresh herbs, seasonal produce. The menu is built for sharing: bold plates, confidently done, freshly prepared and designed to keep the table ordering. The cocktail list is strong. All done well. Seed Rooftop is the third space in the Seed ecosystem at Hyatt Regency Malta, alongside Seed Brasserie and Seed Café. Together they carry a sin- gle Mediterranean spirit from morning coffee through to a late evening on the terrace - one of the few places in Malta where you can start the morning with coffee and end it with a cocktail, all "under" one roof. "Seed Rooftop is the moment the day becomes the evening. We wanted to create a space where guests don't feel the need to be anywhere else — where the view, the food and the atmosphere all tell the same story." — Adrian At- tard, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Malta "The rooftop menu is built for shar- ing and staying. Bold flavours, honest ingredients, drinks worth lingering over. Everything on the plate is de- signed for the moment you're in." — Gianni Zammit, Executive Head Chef, Hyatt Regency, Malta ABOUT SEED Seed is a contemporary Mediter- ranean dining concept across three connected spaces at Hyatt Regency Malta: Seed Brasserie, Seed Café and Seed Rooftop. Each space carries its own personality while sharing the same DNA: honest ingredients, atmos- phere-led hospitality and a spirit that is unmistakably Mediterranean. To- gether they form a full-day destination, calm and central, tucked away from the noise of Paceville but right in the heart of things. ABOUT HYATT REGENCY MALTA Hyatt Regency Malta is located in St Julian's, Malta, offering 151 rooms and suites, meeting and event spaces, and the Seed dining ecosystem. Part of the global Hyatt Re- gency portfolio. MCAST announces Open Days programme THE Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) invites prospective students, parents, and guardians to attend the Open Days. The first event will take place on Sunday, 14 June at the Institute for the Creative Arts in Mosta, focusing on creative arts programmes such as art and design, media, performing arts, and related disciplines. A second Open Day will be held on Friday, 19 June at the MCAST Main Campus in Paola, bringing together all seven institutes and offering visitors a complete overview of the College's full range of courses and career pathways. The areas covered include applied sciences, business and commerce, commu- nity services, creative arts, engineering and transport, information and communication technology and trades. Both events run from 5pm to 9pm and will feature general information talks on how to apply, taster sessions on specific subjects, demonstrations, and interactive activities organised by MCAST institutes. Prospec- tive students can meet lecturers and current students, explore facilities, and better un- derstand the courses and opportunities at MCAST. All members of the public are invited. The events are especially relevant to second- ary and post- secondary students exploring learning pathways and adult learners wish- ing to upskill or change careers. With more than 200 full-time courses available, from introductory programmes to level 3 and 4 diplomas, bachelor's and master's degrees, MCAST continues to offer pathways that combine academic knowl- edge with practical skills and industry rel- evance. Career Guidance staff will provide information about course choices, entry re- quirements and progression opportunities. Applications for courses starting in Octo- ber 2026 will open on 13 July, and the full course catalogue is available on mcast.edu. mt