[8] The Metropolis project is being built on the site of the former Mira building, which since 1939 hosted the Mamo Brothers garage.

[6] The land was then sold to developer Jalal Husni Bey, from Libya's HB Group,[12] who had originally foreseen "buy[ing] some apartments.

[6] In November 2014, MEPA approved a number of changes to the Metropolis project, including building a helipad on the roof of the highest tower, a larger car park and the creation of more public places.

The first stone was laid by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on 6 April 2015, few days ahead the 2015 Maltese local elections, [16] The early phase of construction was to be delivered by Maltese contractor Polidano, while the towers would be constructed by an Italian and a Dubai-based company, whose names were not disclosed.

Since the land surrounding the project was not government-owned, the government requisitioned it, and the Lands Authority in October 2016 issued a tender to ensure that Metropolis could obtain access to the space beneath the roads and excavate for two further floors underground, beneath sea level.

However, we have to recognise that they are a must and every country should have a designated area for high rise buildings.”[10] Husni Bey praised Malta's prime minister Joseph Muscat and those “calling the shots who have been very helpful”, while describing as "very painful" the process of dealing with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

[19] A social impact assessment study carried our in August 2019 found great construction fatigue among residents of Gzira, Msida and Ta’ Xbiex.