The building that once housed one of Malta's most familiar restaurants, The Avenue, may be demolished to make way for a modern 73-apartment complex.
Located on the corner of Triq Paceville and Triq Gort in St Julian’s, the iconic restaurant operated at this site for 35 years before closing its doors in August 2022 and relocating to One Portomaso. Since its closure, the building has remained vacant and has fallen into disrepair.
A planning application submitted earlier this year by The Avenue Ltd, on behalf of applicant Charles Mangion, according to The Malta Independent, proposes a significant transformation of the site. If approved by the Planning Authority, the development will replace the current structure with a multi-functional building that includes four underground levels of parking, commercial spaces, restaurants, and 73 residential apartments.
The proposed development envisions a four-level underground parking facility accommodating 75 vehicles, accessible via a ramp on Triq Paceville. A semi-basement level will host a restaurant with nearly 400 square metres of space, while another restaurant is planned for the elevated ground floor, occupying 275 square metres. Both establishments will include outdoor seating areas, adding to the project’s appeal.
Residential units will dominate the upper floors, with 68 apartments spread across five levels and an additional five units located on the elevated ground floor. The sixth floor will feature a receded design, while the rooftop will host a shared pool for residents, offering modern amenities in the heart of Paceville.
The current building, which already includes a mix of commercial and residential spaces, will be completely demolished to accommodate this ambitious redevelopment.
The transformation is expected to significantly alter the streetscape of this well-known area, breathing new life into the disused site while introducing a larger, more modern structure.
The planning application is still under review by the Planning Authority and awaits input from several Government entities, as well as a recommendation from the case officer.
