MaltaMedia.com

First SmartCity Malta office space ready in 2010

Posted on February 8th, 2009

Following the demolition of all the existing structures on the SmartCity Malta site at Ricasoli, construction of SCM-O1, the first office building, has now commenced with the aim of handing over the state-of-the-art office space to ICT and media companies in 2010.

Forming part of the most innovative business and community infrastructure in the region, SCM-O1 will consist of over 12,000 square meters of purpose-built Grade A office space, paving the way for the creation of the knowledge economy in Malta.

Meanwhile speaking to The Times, Chief executive officer Claudio Grech said the €234 million SmartCity Malta project is on target and reiterated that the first office space will be released next year even though he would not be drawn into specifics.

Mr Grech said that a significant number of knowledge-based companies expressed their interest to set up their operations in SmartCity Malta, with interest accelerating as soon as details of the space which will be provided in SCM01 were published. Yet, he did not commit himself in saying how many tenants actually signed a lease of agreement stating that announcements will be made “at the appropriate time.”

SmartCity Malta, he said, has appointed BV Joint Venture, an affiliation between Bonnici Brothers Ltd and Ballut Blocks Ltd, as the general contractor for SCM01.

Asked by The Times if he was still confident that the project will generate 5,600 jobs, Mr Grech replied in the affirmative.

He also said that SmartCity Malta is this year engaging on an aggressive direct international marketing plan which was approved by the board in January, “in which we shall be targeting niche sectors in the ICT and media fields to attract them to consider Malta as their preferred investment and operational destination.”