Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/695268
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE 2016 7 JAMES DEBONO A case officer report is recom- mending the approval of four high-rise towers in Mriehel be- longing to the Gasan and Tumas groups, despite studies showing that the project will result in a parking shortfall of 498 park- ing spaces, which would be in breach of policy. The policy on tall buildings approved by the government in 2014 states clearly that high- rise developments must provide all car-parking requirements on site. Whenever this is not tech- nically possible these should provide parking facilities not more than 250 metres away from the site of the development. In the Mriehel case, the pro- posed development will provide 1,065 parking spaces, which is 498 short of the 1,563 required on a normal working day. The Mriehel Towers project consists of four cylindrical tow- er blocks, comprising 16, 18, 20 and 14 storeys, sitting on top of five basement levels. A decision on the project will be taken on 30 June, just one week after the PA's decision on a 38 storey tow- er block proposed by the Gasan Group in Sliema – which is due to be handed down tomorrow. The Traffic Impact Assess- ment (TIA) justifies this under- provision of parking spaces by the commitment taken by the developer to encourage alterna- tive models of transport as part of the requirements for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Envi- ronmental Design) certification. As part of this commitment the development includes the provi- sion of 105 bicycle racks and 54 preferential parking spaces will be allocated for car sharing ini- tiatives. However the TIA notes, "these measures alone are unlikely to result in a significant modal shift." Therefore an improve- ment in public transport servic- es is deemed to be essential. The developer is being expected to take a commitment to organise collective transport for employ- ees for a period of five years. The erection of four high-rise towers at Mriehel is expected to result in a daily increase of 1,362 cars a day passing from Triq l- Imdina, according to the Envi- ronment Impact Statement on the impact of the proposed tow- ers by Tumas and Gasan Groups. To ease traffic pressures a traf- fic underpass from the north- bound Dawret l-Imriehel car- riageway with Triq l-Intonjatur is being proposed. The application for the mega development was presented in October 2014 by the Tumas and Gasan groups, who are also partners in the ElectroGas pow- er station consortium, on a site adjacent to that of the present Gasan head office on the Mrie- hel bypass. Mriehel was not included among the localities that will be considered for high-rise build- ings of over 10 storeys, when a policy regulating building heights was first issued for pub- lic consultation in November 2013. This meant that the public never had any chance to com- ment on the choice of this site. But then Mriehel was added to the list just before the policy was approved in June. The Water Services Corpora- tion has asked the developers to submit an insurance policy covering €2.47 million in possi- ble damages to the sewage infra- structure and for a contingency plan should the sewage gallery in the area collapse. News St. Paul Street Naxxar | T: 2143 7945/4 E: info@studio9.com.mt W: www.studio9.com.mt FB: Studio 9 Malta SPECIAL OFFERS ON OUTDOOR FURNITURE, BEDROOM & DINING ROOM SUITES, SOFAS & MUCH MUCH MORE! Man found dead in Fgura identified as Keith Falzon A man found dead in Fgura on Monday afternoon has been identified as Keith Falzon, 28 of San Gwann. The police, who confirmed that Falzon had been missing for five days, said that an au- topsy will now determine the cause of death. Falzon's lifeless body was found in a state of decompo- sition beneath the Fgura bas- tions, close to the locality's football ground. The tattoos on his arm helped identif y the body. Mriehel towers to create shortfall of 500 parking spaces Case officer recommends project for approval in meeting scheduled for 30 June The four high-rise towers at Mriehel are expected to lead to an increase of 1,362 cars a day passing from Triq l-Imdina Keith Falzon