Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546635
A proposed commercial complex in Kirkop that will replace an ex- isting industrial yard will require the excavation of around 337,000 cubic metres of limestone, a study shows. The Environmental Impact As- sessment further proposes that high-quality limestone, a geologi- cal resource, should be recovered for use as building stone and other construction applications. Rock that cannot be reused on site is to be sent to licensed processing fa- cilities or used for the backfilling of disused quarries rather than disposed of in the landfill. The EIA concerns the redevelop- ment (PA/02825/25) of the Elbros Construction Yard, currently used for heavy industrial construction activities. The site is a former quarry and is situated along Triq L-Industrija and Triq il-Madonna tad-Dawl. The project is front- ed by Qormi Construction Ltd, which is proposing to relocate its existing industrial operations to an established pre-cast facility in Ħal Far. The commercial complex will include retail and leisure out- lets, and offices. The complex is expected to generate an estimated 4,950 additional vehicle trips per day once operational, according to the EIA. The EIA, prepared by environ- mental consultancy Adi Associ- ates, identifies the permanent de- pletion of the limestone resource as the sole major adverse environ- mental impact. 337,000 cubic metres of excavation The proposed redevelopment includes three underground park- ing levels and large rainwater storage reservoirs. This requires bulk excavation across the site to depths ranging between 12.6 me- tres and 15.6 metres below exist- ing ground level. Around 337,000 cubic metres of Lower Globigerina Limestone are expected to be extracted over ap- proximately 12 months. During the excavation and site clearance phase, the project is expected to generate between 70 and 100 heavy tipper truck trips a day as excavated material is trans- ported off site. Dust suppression measures will include regular water spraying using bowsers, covered trucks carrying loose material and wheel-washing facilities at site ex- its. Earthworks are also to be phased to reduce the area of exposed ground during periods of heavy rainfall, with temporary channels, silt fences and settlement tanks used to control sediment runoff. Nearly 5,000 additional vehicle trips Once operational, the develop- ment is forecast to increase traffic on the surrounding road network by 4,950 vehicles a day, based on its projected annual average daily traffic. Customer and service vehicles will enter through an access gate on Triq il-Madonna tad-Dawl. Customers will also leave through this northern access, while ser- vice and supply vehicles will use a separate southern exit onto Triq L-Industrija. The development will provide 1,278 car spaces across three underground levels covering 53,483sq.m. The parking provi- sion also includes 33 spaces for access-for-all, 39 scooter spaces, five van spaces and 26 cycle racks. The project will also be required to implement an operational Green Travel Plan aimed at en- couraging public transport, cy- cling and car sharing among em- ployees and visitors. Buildings to cover 41% of site The proposed complex will have a a built footprint of 11,700sq.m, equivalent to around 41% of the site. Buildings will range from two to four storeys and reach an over- all height of around 18.5 metres. The largest component will be an outlet village, alongside a supermarket, retail spaces and warehousing. The project will al- so include offices and a three-star hotel with between 106 and 120 guestrooms. The complex will also house food and beverage facilities across five outlets, a medical centre and a sports centre adjoining a pro- posed public sports park. The development is being de- signed with a target of LEED Plat- inum certification. The EIA estimates that the pro- ject will provide around 60 con- struction jobs, including 20 during excavation and 40 during finish- ing works, and approximately 400 permanent jobs once operational. 7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS Study proposes re-use of precious limestone extracted for Kirkop outlet village project EIA f lags depletion of non-renewable geological resource as existing Elbros heavy industrial yard is earmarked for major commercial, leisure and office complex JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The proposed redevelopment includes three underground parking levels and large rainwater storage reservoirs