Huge commercial hub proposed next to Zejtun’s Lidl

A huge retail centre that will occupy some 30,646 square metres of retail space constructed over three levels, is being proposed in an area presently occupied by the Barbros construction plant next to the Lidl supermarket in Zejtun.

The site on which the development is being proposed has a footprint of 37,880 sq.m. 

The application was presented by Hudson International Ltd, which already operates 27 outlets in Malta representing international brands, such as Kiabi, River Island, Timberland, Nike, UJ Hos and Urban Jungle.

The application foresees the “rehabilitation” of the area, the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a commercial hub.

Although located outside development zones the site is designated as an area of containment – a zoning for areas which accommodate industrial or commercial related activities, located outside the development zone. The local plan allows the redevelopment of these sites if no deleterious impacts will result from the proposed development on neighbouring sites. The disturbed area is surrounded by agricultural land.

The application incorporates the existing 2,500 sq.m Lidl supermarket on the ground floor, a gigantic 12,964 sq.m department store constructed over three levels and an additional 17,682 sq.m of other retail shops. Underground parking will cater for 752 cars while 408 parking spaces are allocated at ground floor level.

Visual of project submitted by developers