Approval of Biomalta Campus development permit

The construction of the Life Sciences Centre in San Gwann, which shall be known as the BioMalta Campus, has been given the green light by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority Board, which approved the full development permit in its public meeting on Thursday.

With an investment of around €30 million, co-financed between Government, Malta Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the development of the BioMalta Campus represents an important step towards developing Malta into a truly regional centre of excellence in the life sciences and bio-medical industry.

Works on site had already commenced with the demolishing of existing buildings and are now proceeding with the remaining excavation works, installation of walk-through culverts, as well as other works in relation to ancillary services such as the rerouting of third party Enemalta cables.

The BioMalta Campus will initially consist of four key buildings which will provide 10,000 square metres of space and 3,500 square metres of incubation facilities in close proximity to the Mater Dei Hospital and the University of Malta, with which collaborations including the possibility of sharing facilities and resources shall be sought.

The Campus will also include a multi-functional conference and meeting facilities which are intended to support the continuing educational and professional development of scientists, researchers and medical health professionals.

Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment Tonio Fenech welcomed the decision and noted.

"The BioMalta Campus is a practical example of how the Maltese economy is transforming itself into the knowledge-based modern economy, building up on the success Malta registered in the pharmaceutical industry. Within this sector, Malta managed to attract some of the global leaders in generic pharmaceutical production, some of whom have also branched out into research and development activities in Malta. All this is creating exciting new opportunities, particularly for our young people, and is contributing in no small way to the creation of more quality jobs."