New supermarket opening in St Venera

- Planning Authority blocks permit for additional story

Amid the rough patch that several of Malta’s supermarkets have passed through lately, which saw the closures of the Swatar, Burmarrad and Naxxar Price Clubs, a new supermarket will be opening its doors to business St Venera over the coming months. An estimated 200 jobs are expected to be created.

The owners, Michael Pace and Charles Polidano, had set a target opening date for March of this year but construction work at the St Venera Street site - just opposite the Manchester United Supporters Club – appears to be somewhat behind, as the supermarket is expected to open by next summer.

While an estimated Lm2 million has already been spent on the project, another Lm2 million is thought to be required needed in order to complete the development.

Michael Pace of P&P Properties had made an application for the retail outlet, which also comprises a five-level parking garage back in April 1997. However, last year the Planning Authority refused an application concerning the same project, when an extension of a further story had been requested. But the company has requested asked a re-consideration of the permit and this is expected to be dealt with in very near future.

The development permit PA 1031/95 was issued for a four-story building permit (one of the floors is considered as an intermediate floor) plus a mechanical plant room at roof level with an area of 50 square meters at a site belonging to Fenech Furniture retail

As there is no parking access around the area the proposed development had to include 200 car park spaces, which include staff parking requirements.