Work starts on blocks at Naxxar trade fair parking lot, despite pending appeal

Work has started on a controversial residential and commercial development in the parking area of the former Naxxar trade fair grounds after the Environment and Review Tribunal turned down a request for the permit suspension until the appeal is heard and decided. Appeals board chairman Robert Sarsero and members Andre Borg and Alexander Zammit rejected claims that Naxxar residents would suffer irreparable harm if the permit is not suspended until the appeal is heard. Workers from Polidano Group have cordoned off the area with large concrete blocks, erected mobile offices and started excavation work. The hoarding around the project has prevented cars from passing through the trade fair grounds and into Charles Miceli street. Approved in December, the project is to be built on the parking lot of the former trade fair grounds in Naxxar. It is split into two elliptical blocks measuring eight and 10 floors high and will have a public open space between the two buildings. Spearheaded by San Pawl tat-Tarġa Investments Ltd, the project includes 136 residential units and penthouses, as well as shops, restaurants and other commercial outlets. The objectors are arguing the project will...