M-Towers

M-Towers
Alternative names Metropolis Towers
General information
Status Under construction
Type Mixed Use
Location Gżira, Malta
Address Testaferrata Street
Coordinates 35°54′02.6″N 14°29′30.3″E / 35.900722°N 14.491750°E / 35.900722; 14.491750
Construction started 6 April 2015
Cost €100 million
Height 106 m,[1] 87 m[2] and 55 m[3]
Technical details
Floor count 33, 27 and 13
Design and construction
Architecture firm EM Architects
Developer Metropolis Developments Limited
Main contractor Metropolis Developments Limited
Other information
Parking 618

The M-towers, also known as the Metropolis Towers, are three towers that are under construction in Gżira, Malta. The tallest of the three, at 33 stories, is set to become the tallest building on the island, surpassing the 98m Portomaso Business Tower. The towers form part of a massive project, Metropolis Plaza, which includes a large plaza, shops and restaurants.[4][5]

Planning and development

The project is aimed at giving new life to Testaferrata Street, which presently is commonly associated with prostitution.[6] Construction of the towers was supposed to start in 2007 and was estimated to be complete by 2016. The project was estimated to cost €60 million. However, the project was delayed by a number of years due to a lack of finance and permits.

The project was initially approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) on 12 March 2009.[7] In November 2014, MEPA approved a number of changes to the Metropolis project, including building a helipad on the roof of the highest tower, a larger car park and the creation of more public places.[8]

The first stone was laid on 6 April 2015 by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. The project is estimated at €100 million, almost double the original estimate.[9]

References

  1. ↑ "Metropolis Plaza Tower 1". emporis.com. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "Metropolis Plaza Tower 2". emporis.com. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  3. ↑ "Metropolis Plaza Tower 3". emporis.com. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  4. ↑ Macdonald, Vanessa (5 July 2007). "Aiming high". Times of Malta. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "Reaching new heights". Times of Malta. 9 December 2007. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  6. ↑ Fenech, Gerald (5 August 2007). "Gzira to switch off the red light". Malta Today. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  7. ↑ "MEPA approves Gzira high-rise development". Times of Malta. 12 March 2009. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  8. ↑ "Gzira's Metropolis Towers project to get more parking spaces, helipad". Times of Malta. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  9. ↑ "Foundation stone of the Metropolis Plaza in Gzira laid". Times of Malta. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
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