The eye-catching fountain area within SmartCity in Kalkara is set to be downsized and replaced with a public park, trees, stores and at least two restaurants.

The new plans, first revealed by MaltaToday, would see the defining feature of the planned commercial hub removed and replaced with a more humble fountain.

The current 122m-diameter marine zone holds 11,000 cubic metres of sea water and features a dynamic light show where water spurts and lights are choreographed to music which occurs every 30 minutes between noon and 10.30pm.

However, new plans submitted by the SmartCity company will see a new public park featuring a “sculpture area”, a landscaped area including 11 Aleppo pine trees and seven stone-pine trees, shrubs, planters and tree pockets alongside public seating.

There will also be two restaurants and a central fountain in the middle of the area.