Qormi zoning change paves way for DIY store instead of elderly home

The zoning of an archeologically rich area opposite the park-and-ride facility in Qormi has been changed from a site for an old people’s home, to one for retail development

The zoning of the site had already been changed from warehousing to a retirement complex in August 2013, when the site belonged to another owner
The zoning of the site had already been changed from warehousing to a retirement complex in August 2013, when the site belonged to another owner

The zoning of an archeologically rich area opposite the park-and-ride facility in Qormi has been changed from a site for an old people’s home, to one for retail development, and a condition limiting heights to three floors has been removed.

The 2006 local plan had zoned the area as “a soft landscaped area with underlying warehouses” of not more than one storey. The warehousing development also had to have a large landscaped area at roof level. 

But the change in zoning was approved by the Planning Authority in March and ratified by the minister on 24 April.

An application was presented by Centre Park Holdings, proposing a DIY retail complex opposite the park and ride in Qormi. The company is owned by Paul Caruana’s Quality Holdings Limited, Anthony Fenech’s Tum Invest and V&C Developments Ltd, which is owned by Charles and Vincent Borg.

The zoning of the site had already been changed from warehousing to a retirement complex in August 2013, when the site belonged to another owner.  

Back then, the old corner building on site had to be conserved as a community centre and the area above the development was to be retained as open space. Development was limited to a maximum floor space of 10,800 sq.m.  

The original zoning permit also specified that the Floor Area Ratio mechanism –through which developers can apply for extra heights in return for more open space – does not apply to the site. The latest zoning permit does not include this condition.  Neither does it limit the maximum floorspace.

Instead a new condition has been approved, stating that “the form and treatment of the elevations of the development should provide both detailed and large scale visual interest and shall enhance the streetscape and the surrounding environment through high quality design.”

The new zoning conditions also foresee the relocation of an existing farmhouse to be dismantled and relocated to another part of the site. The developer is obliged to protect archeological remains on the site and to pay for the upkeep of a public open space area.

A condition has also been imposed to ensure that the launching of licensed fireworks in this area is not compromised.

Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar has already objected to the development proposed in the area. “The development being proposed is within an extensive archaeological complex with structures ranging from the Bronze Age to the Roman Period and beyond, and should therefore be regarded as an invaluable historic site of national importance.” 

The organisation also expressed disagreement with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage decision to preserve three specifically designated remains “in isolation of their surroundings”, describing this as a measure that grossly undermines the true value of this archaeological complex.