MEPA gives green light to Valletta market face-lift

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has given its go ahead for works to commence on the full restoration of the internal steel and cast iron structure, the external facade, and the roof of is-Suq tal-Belt.

Works will also include the removal of accretions, which have been added to the indoor market during the 1980s. Following the completion of these works, the building, subject to a separate planning application, will be well-matched to re-open and revive the commercial activities it was well known for.

The building is a scheduled Grade 1 landmark building dating back to the Victorian Period. During the Second World War, the building sustained extensive damages with a substantial part of the building having been lost. Post war renovation works focused on the consolidation of the damage rather than the reconstruction of the demolished areas and therefore, the original building was truncated and a new facade was constructed recessed away from the original building line.

The MEPA Board also granted planning permission for the sanctioning of four new cranes and the dismantling and shifting of several other cranes within Terminal 1 and 2 of the Malta Freeport in Birzebbugia.

As part of the development permit conditions, the Board imposed a non-refundable environment and planning contribution of €955,000 which funds shall be utilised by MEPA and the local council to fund environmental improvement projects in the locality of Birzebbugia. The Board also imposed a €50,000 penalty for works having been carried out prior to the approval of a development permit.