New high-rise tower proposed for Gzira

A 12-storey tower is being proposed over 1,401 square metres of land in Gzira.

The site presently occupied by United Garage Limited lies on Triq il-Gzira and corners with Triq Tas-Sliema and Triq ir-Rebha.

The application proposes a commercial and residential high-rise building with a public, open landscaped plaza at ground level and three underground levels of car parking.

Jean Borg of ADMP Estates limited is proposing the development.

An application for a four-storey development and penthouse development on the same site was approved by MEPA in 2011.

Gzira, along with Mriehel, Tigné, Marsa and Qawra has been identified in a newly approved policy document as a site where over-10 storey buildings can be developed.

The document states that streets on all sides must surround over-10 storey buildings.

Before the approval of the new policy, high-rise and medium sized development could be proposed only on sites covering 3,000 square metres. 

According to the new policy high rise buildings can be allowed in the five selected localities on any site surrounded by planned or existing streets on all sides irrespective of its size. 

Medium-sized buildings, twice the size of local plan height policy but less than 10 storeys, can be allowed on any site greater than 4,000 square metres if located outside the designated localities. In designated localities like Marsaskala and Gzira these can be located on any site surrounded by streets on all sides. 

No high or medium rise buildings are allowed in Gozo, ridges or ODZ areas.

MEPA has already approved the 23-storey high Metropolis development in Testaferrata Street, Gzira.