SkyParks Future Plans

Three years into its inauguration SkyParks Business Centre had reached full occupancy, highlighting the existing strong demand for high-quality office space by both local and foreign companies. This encouraged Malta International Airport to draw up plans for another multi-purpose commercial centre; SkyParks 2.

MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SETS THE SKYPARKS 2 DEVELOPMENT BALL ROLLING

Malta International Airport has taken the next step in the realisation of an important part of its comprehensive master plan for the airport campus; the development of SkyParks 2 with an earmarked investment of circa €40 million.

Having issued a call for offers for the provision of architectural and engineering services for this building, Malta International Airport is inviting prospective bidders to submit an initial design concept for SkyParks 2 by 13 February 2019.

In line with the company’s strategy of investing further in its retail and property segment, the mixed-purpose building is planned to house office and commercial space, as well as introduce a business hotel in the proximity of the terminal.

Envisaged to have a footprint of 1,400 square metres and a rating of at least 4 stars, this hotel will primarily enable business travellers to maximise their time in Malta. A separate invitation for tenders issued at a later stage will form part of the selection process of an operator for this hotel.

At this stage, bidders are required to present a detailed breakdown of floor area usage for each level of the multi-storey building, including the number of spaces designated for parking, office area available for rent, and the number of hotel rooms and other amenities offered.

SkyParks 2’s initial design concept is required to include conceptual elements geared at achieving energy efficiency, rendering the building eligible for BREEAM assessment and subsequent certification.

The precursor of Malta International Airport’s next development – SkyParks Business Centre – was one of the first buildings in Malta to be awarded such certification in 2012, affirming the company’s commitment to growing in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Having reached full occupancy shortly after its inauguration, SkyParks Business Centre highlighted a need for office space and leisure options in the southern area of the island, which will be addressed further with the development of SkyParks 2.

Works on SkyParks 2 are expected to be set into motion once Malta International Airport re-assesses the feasibility of this project following the ideation stage and finalises its ongoing multi-storey car park project, which is slated for completion in 2020.

Malta International Airport’s master plan was approved by the local Planning Authority in 2018. Besides the development of SkyParks 2, the master plan provides for an extension of the existing terminal building, which would enable Malta International Airport to cater for future growth in passenger numbers.

(Published on: 09.01.2019)