Technology
Phase One of SmartCity project launched
By MaltaMedia News
Jun 15, 2008 - 10:57:23 AM

The Phase One of the SmartCity Project which will redevelop part of the Ricasoli industrial area into a massive ICT campus was launched on Saturday evening.

SmartCity Malta Phase One will provide a unique experience for business and lifestyle alike, entailing a mix of components to cater for the knowledge-based township community’s needs such as office space, shopping boulevards and residential units.  Within SmartCity Malta Phase One, the majority of the space is dedicated to ICT and media office space – an impressive 20,034 square meters. 

Attending the launch of SmartCity Malta Phase One were Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Austin Gatt, His Excellency Ahmad Bin Byat (Executive Chairman of TECOM Investment and Chairman of SmartCity), and Fareed Abdulrahman (CEO of SmartCity and acting CEO of SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi).

The PrimeMinister Dr Lawrence Gonzi announced that the first day of business for SmartCity Malta has now been set. He expressed the Government’s satisfaction to participate at this announcement that confirms that the implementation of SmartCity is moving according to its own ambitious time-frames.

His Excellency Ahmad Bin Byat commented that "SmartCity Malta, and all SmartCity entities, will become significant hubs of excellence for knowledge-based industries in their respective regions".

Minister Dr Austin Gatt called upon all leaders in the educational and business communities to renew the national effort to prepare well as many young people as possible for the opportunity being built in Rikażli.

On the occasion, Fareed Abdulrahman commented, “We are excited about the future and great prospects of SmartCity Malta.  We ensure the success of our business partners through our committed vision to develop a unique destination for all businesses providing reliable infrastructure and exceptional customer service.”  

In order for SmartCity Malta to support its business partners to its full potential, a local management team is being put together so that, in collaboration with SmartCity’s head-quarters’ team based in Dubai, they engage with leading IT and media firms who are interested in relocating their operations to SmartCity Malta. 

In 2010, SmartCity Malta will be releasing ready-to-operate state-of-the-art office space with intelligent infrastructure and picturesque surroundings. This will be followed by the supporting release of residential and retail spaces. 

In the coming years, Ricasoli and the south-eastern coast of the island will be transformed into the prime business township of Malta, featuring state-of-the-art ICT and media office space, shopping and dining boulevards, panoramic areas and freely accessible open spaces. 

Based on the model of the Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, SmartCity Malta will represent the largest ever foreign direct investment in Malta with a capital outlay of some €230 million, and is expected to generate some 5,600 jobs.