Gzira Metropolis high-rise construction site finally active with works underway

After 14 years since the first permit was issued, the construction site for the Metropolis Towers is finally active.

The project, which is located on Testaferrata street in Gzira, is set to include three high-rise buildings, one of which will include a helipad and another a pool on its roof. It will feature several residential units, office spaces and retail outlets.

This newsroom had first revealed in February that works were expected to begin on the long-anticipated mega-development.

The first permit for the project was issued in 2009 and has been consistently renewed since, with the current permit expected to expire in September 2023.

The commencement of the project was delayed for several years for multiple reasons, from legal hurdles regarding excavation work and finding the contractors to take up the job.

However, these setbacks have been overcome.

With works having just started and the permit being set to expire in just over a year, this mega project is unlikely to finish in time. This explains why an application to renew the permit through a summary procedure was filed in April with the Planning Authority.

The company behind the project is Metropolis Developments Limited, which is owned by Jalal Husni Bey, who forms part of the Libyan conglomerate HB Group.

The lead contractor for the project is Elbros Construction, and the architect responsible is Edwin Mintoff.

The site is sandwiched between two other ongoing developments which are expected to expand the number of office spaces in the area, indicating a new commercial centre at the cross-section of Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex and Msida.