An architectural icon that is also a leading landmark energy-efficient building, capable of capturing the aspirations of a nation… Corporate Village Malta also sets out to be the embodiment of Government’s Vision 2015+.
Carrying an investment that is estimated to reach almost €200 million, this unique urban regeneration project intends to achieve the vision of excellence by becoming the focal point within the booming central business district in Malta. It seeks to respond not only to Government’s strategic vision, but also to the window of opportunity that arises from the demand for high quality office and commercial space in Malta.
With Malta envisaged to take over the European Union Presidency in 2017, Corporate Village Malta will be the main hub of activity for the events taking place during the six months’ tenure, when it will be at the centre of European and worldwide attention. More in general, it will also serve as Government’s single point of contact for business, as it will host the main regulatory and business support agencies and departments.
While the Government is guaranteeing a minimum occupancy of 30 per cent of the office facilities, including storage and archiving, the project development, operation and marketing will be entrusted to the private sector, whose capital, initiative and expertise are considered to be vital in order to ensure the success and viability of the project. The 130,000 square metre project aims to host organisations dealing with commerce and trade activities, such as those offering fiduciary services, legal services, brokerage and international trade.
In order to promote an optimal working environment and a balanced lifestyle for the users of the facilities and visitors to the building, a proportion of the site will accommodate retail premises to serve the day to day needs of the employees, as well as dining facilities, which are notably absent from the area. Corporate Village Malta will also provide facilities for conferences and exhibitions; leisure and sports; child care; open space and relaxation; as well as underground parking.
Commencing in 2012, the project is estimated to be finalised by 2015.
Strategically located for excellence
Corporate Village Malta will be located in Mriehel, on the site formerly occupied by Dowty. This high value site is strategically located within a short distance of Malta’s gateways, namely the Malta International Airport in Luqa, the Cruise Passenger Terminal in Valletta, and the Freeport in Birzebbuga, with the former two being within a five-kilometre radius – a fact of particular relevance to foreign investors who are visiting the islands for short periods of time, possibly for even just a day merely for meetings or conferences within the Corporate Village.
The Mriehel area is increasingly shifting from an industrial zone to a commercial hub, particularly within the financial services sector. One already finds the offices of the Malta Financial Services Authority; the two main banks in Malta as well as two major international audit firms. The area also hosts the offices of a number of well-established local and international institutions and commercial enterprises operating in gaming, real estate, high end manufacturing and communications.
The services being provided in the location are compatible with the vision of a business and financial hub for the islands - one of the sectors in which the island is striving to become a centre of excellence - and the establishment of Corporate Village Malta will further enhance this emerging trend.
Iconic in design, friendly to the environment
Inspired by the wings of a dragonfly - complex yet structured, delicate yet strong, elegant, translucent and textured - the roof is like an external skin that encapsulates and shelters the building from the elements while contributing to the project’s green credentials.
The project seeks to be sustainable in all aspects possible, particularly in terms of the preservation and reuse of the site’s resources, the choice of materials used in construction, and through the use of passive and active methods to reduce energy consumption and produce energy on site.
Initiatives in this regards include rainwater harvesting, waste water treatment, a design that caters for natural ventilation processes, and the innovative use of geothermal energy and other alternative energy sources.
Fully automated building management systems will be applied to achieve the best possible balance between natural and artificial lighting.
The building will also have a sense of openness that will not only improve the working environment, but also impart a sense of transparency reflecting Government’s commitment with respect to the way in which it provides its services to the public.
Award winning concept
The concept of Corporate Village Malta was chosen as the best Smart City Europe project in the Real Estate Awards held in Milan, Italy, beating off competition from Moscow's $4 billion Metropoliya Business District and the Varyap Meridian in Istanbul.
These Awards, known also as the Golden Brick Awards, were given to the best projects in different categories across Europe. Amongst others, categories included awards for architecture, initiatives in favour of the environment, as well as best service, best tourism and best consultancy projects. Corporate Village Malta was awarded best project for the creation of future cities built on sustainability and urban integration.