High rises in Malta – a new concept fast gaining ground where quality is first and foremost
By Sara Grech

Ever since the landmark Portomaso Tower was built in the late 1990’s, the local building industry has been talking of possibilities including multi storey buildings matching the tower’s 24 storey’s or even higher up to 33 and so on.  A high rise concept is definitely a different living experience which increases quality of life by a substantial margin. First of all you have superb views when perched at the higher end of such developments, something which is relatively new and very exciting. Malta is truly a unique experience when viewed from the air so it is rather akin to living your life perched in a helicopter. Add to all this a general aura of up market finishing which is very much a crucial part of any high rise development and you have a product which has already taken the property world by storm. There are a number of projects which are expected to come to fruition in the coming years and which should definitely put high rise right up there with the best.

MIDI Tower: The MIDI project at Tigne’ Point in Sliema contemplates a large 22 storey tower which has been changed and modified over the years. The uniqueness of the location is a superb selling point and with the commanding views that such a tower can command, this is surely a plum part of the whole MIDI development. One also cannot see the tower in isolation as another essential part of this development is the self contained ‘pjazza’ which will be a hive of activity and definitely add to the lifestyle experience in the area. The considerable number of shops and high quality brands which are going to make it to the MIDI centre are also an added incentive for such a project. The developers have also seen to the restoration of Fort Tigne’, which has been truly revealed in its true glory ever since the project has been completed.

Pendergardens:
‘Everything surrounds you’ is the slogan of this project and with three large towers strategically located in the middle of the development; this is surely another opportunity for high rise to make a mark in the property scene. It is actually located just a stone’s throw away from Portomaso but with its own self contained area. Pendergardens offers some unique opportunities for the discreet property investor. The inclusion of gyms and other residential facilities offers the feeling of being in a fully independent village. Once again the views commanded from the towers promise to be superb and the area is extremely central thus making it ideal to do business in. The business centre which has already secured a major tenant is definitely another innovative concept in the whole project and with ample parking space provided, this is surely going to be one of the premium locations which should also increase the visibility and quality of the area.

Metropolis:
This three tower development on the site of the old Mira Buildings also comes up with some innovative concepts. For starters it will offer what the developers are terming as ‘sky villas’ – where you can literally enjoy a villa space on the 24th floor with incredible views of the Grand Harbour and surrounding localities below you. Metropolis will also have a 33 storey tower, the largest and tallest building ever undertaken on these islands which will surely be one of the key selling points for those who want to live the high life. Add to this a complete fully fledged customer service including concierge, parking and other facilities and you have a high rise development which should really turn the area ‘from red to green’.

Fort Cambridge: Restoration of the Fort This is another purely residential development situated practically next door to MIDI in Tigne’ having direct access to their Piazza. Although heights here are never above the 22 storeys, this is another high rise development which is being offered complete with all the homeowner wants to have at their fingertips. Here we are seeing the concept of having a fully fledged service throughout with state of the art finishing’s, light is maximized by the use of thick, reinforced recycled glass to front the balconies and terraces, this also gives an effective aesthetic look when seen from outside. Each unit enjoys service lifts and other similar touches which are almost identical to that offered in a state of the art five star hotel. Another important facet of the Fort Cambridge development is the restoration of the actual fort which dates back to the late 19th century. The developers have committed themselves to the restoration of the Cambridge Battery which used to host the ‘other’ 100 tonne gun (which has unfortunately fallen victim to the ravages of time), the other one has been lovingly restored and placed in its original setting at Fort Rinella. The restoration will restore the battery to its former glory and it should also be surrounded by public gardens and greenery which will add to the attractions for residents and visitors.

Xemxija Heights:
This is another spectacular development which contains by far the highest number of residential units in any planned project on the island.  It will be launched between September and October 2009 with its key selling points being a 1000 SQM piazza as well as 270 apartments available in the first phase. The development also has a self contained ‘pjazza’ as well as shops and other eateries which are aimed at kick-starting social life in the Xemxija area which is rather devoid of any sort of activity. The high rise buildings which are planned will also offer spectacular views of the North of Malta and beyond. It will surely be one of the landmark developments on the island.

Out of Portomaso which set the standard for high rise buildings combined with a luxury hotel and yacht marina, there are a large number of quality developments which aim to make the most of this new and innovative concept. High rise is a win-win situation for all as it leaves a minimal footprint due to its restricted space thus freeing up a considerably larger part of the site being developed for open areas – the ‘pjazza’ development being a key case in point here. The future for high rise looks extremely promising and there is definitely a lot to be gained by all from such state of the art developments.