Embassy complex construction completed

by Greta Borg Carbott

Construction works at the Lm6 million Embassy complex in Valletta have now been completed, project director Joseph A Gasan said yesterday. The facade's marble facing and glazing will be complete within the coming weeks and the tower crane is due to be removed.

Showing Opposition leader Alfred Sant around the 11-floor complex, Embassy general manager Mark Zammit said 75 per cent of the Embassy's retail area has already been allocated. Tenants will be moving in to work on their shops as from tomorrow.

In addition, three of the complex's six cinemas are nearly complete. Projection equipment, seating and screening will be installed by the end of September.

However, the date of the Embassy's official opening has not yet been established, Mr Zammit said. It is expected to open during November.

Discussing the complex's food court and coffee shop, Mr Gasan said the Embassy had entered into a joint venture with a leading American fast-food outlet, Orion Foods Systems.

Orion Foods Systems brands are offered in more than 1,500 outlets throughout the United States, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United Arab Emirates and the Canary Islands, he said.

Dr Sant praised the Embassy complex project for working to attract people back to Valletta. By investing in the city's commercial and recreational sectors, the complex would be reviving Valletta.

In fact, Mr Gasan added, the complex's cinemas and food outlets would be alive, even when most retail outlets are closed.

The Embassy complex building aims to become an attraction in itself. Designed by Med Design Consultants and British interior design company Fitch, the complex will include a spectacular six floor water fall. Its shimmering water would be reflected by tile mosaics on the walls.

Med Design architect Alfred Grech showed Dr Sant the plans of the complex. The building will be accessible to all, including people with a disability, he said.

The Embassy complex is a joint venture owned by the Gasan and Big Bon groups. Dr Sant was accompanied by Labour MP John Attard Montalto.