Application filed to renew permit for Metropolis development in Gzira

An application to renew the permit for the Metropolis development in Gzira has been filed with the Planning Authority.

The site is on Triq Enrico Mizzi, Gzira, corner with Triq Testaferrata.

The original plans for the development on the site were filed in 2007 and approved in 2009. The plans were for three towers of 13, 27 and 33 floors over a public piazza.

The only work that has taken place was the excavation of the site, but no construction has yet begun.

In 2014, some changes were made to the plans, that,

among other things, allowed an increase in office space from 4,160 sq.m. to 7,815 sq.m. and also included a decrease in the number of residential units from 188 to 110, while also increasing parking spaces and introducing a helipad on one roof. “The revisions envisaged by the scheme primarily concern the balance in the residential/commercial mix within the complex,” the case officer’s report had read, adding that the height of the towers remained the same. The application was approved that year. The development

permission was valid for a period of five years from the date of publication of the decision.

In 2020 an application had been filed to renew the 2014 application, but was withdrawn by the applicant. It was also reported in 2021 that the permit was extended to 2023 due to planning rules allowing the extension of permits throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now this latest application to renew the permit granted in 2014 was filed. The architect has requested that the application be processed via a Summary procedure.