Large DIY store proposed on Qormi fields

Plans have been submitted by a group of developers proposing a Do it Yourself retail complex in Qormi, envisaging the relocation of a historical mill room

The project includes two levels of underground parking, a two-storey DIY centre and offices
The project includes two levels of underground parking, a two-storey DIY centre and offices

Plans have been submitted by a group of developers proposing a Do it Yourself retail complex opposite the park and ride in Qormi. The plans envisage the “relocation” of a historical mill room from its present location.

All the soil in the area was cleared, in the absence of any planning permit, last Autumn.  

It was only in January that the developers presented an application to sanction the removal of existing soil for an archaeological investigation of the site. The soil will be deposited in the National Agricultural Research and Development Centre at Ghammieri in Marsa.

The archaeological investigation was a condition set in a planning control application issued in 2013 earmarking the site for sports and community facilities and a home for the elderly.

The historical mill room will be “relocated” to government owned land in the vicinity of the new complex.

The area is zoned for parking, sports facilities and the development of an old people’s home according to changes to the local plan made in July 2013, three months after the election. But now the developers have submitted an application for retail development and offices.

Centre Park Holdings Ltd has now applied to construct two levels of underground parking, a level of retail and “Do it yourself” space and a  receded floor of retail space and offices. 

The company is owned by Anthony Fenech, Paul and Philip Caruana of Quality Holdings Limited, and Vincent and Charles Borg of V&C Developments Ltd. The architect of the project is Labour MP and Building Industry Consultative Council chairman Charles Buhagiar. 

The proposal foresees road widening works - as instructed by Transport Malta - and the demolition of an existing farmhouse affected by these works.  

The applicants also refer to the conservation of archaeological remains and relocation of a historic building  (the mill) as instructed by the Superintendence for Cultural heritage.

Immediately after the election in July 2013 the Malta Environment and Planning Authoprity approved a planning control application envisioning the change of use of the area to make way for a  retirement complex, sports facilities, and parking area. Originally the Central Malta Local Plan indicated that this area could be developed as a soft landscaped area with underlying warehouses.