A coalition of environmental and heritage NGOs, supported by hundreds of citizens including leading academics, historians, and artists, has applied formally for an Emergency Conservation Order regarding the British Barracks at Fort Chambray in Gozo. This follows several calls to schedule the 19th-century building with a view to saving it from demolition that fell on deaf ears. The Għajnsielem Local Council is now part of this appeal too.
The request comes in response to the permit granted by the Planning Authority on 12th December 2024 for the demolition of the barracks to make way for the controversial redevelopment of the historic fort into an aparthotel and residential complex. The NGOs believe that the British Barracks, dating from at least 1895, are worthy of protection as a site of historical, architectural, and cultural importance.
Times of Malta reported that at least 13 Nationalist Party MPs also signed the petition.
A unique historical site at risk
These two-storey limestone British Barracks with repeated arched doorways and continuous rhythmic façade enjoy a panoramic view of Comino overlooking the Gozo Channel. It is very interesting to note from the historical research done by Din l-Art Ħelwa – Għawdex that it was built by the same master mason responsible for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. Besides, according to the late 19th-century Admiralty map available in the National Archives of Malta, it was already in existence by 1895.
Experts argue that these can be considered one of the oldest married quarters in the British Empire, hence making it all the more important to preserve them. The NGOs also point at the contradiction in the conservation policy as British-era barracks in Malta have been given protection, even though they are not as important from a historical point of view as those at Fort Chambray.
Concerns over heritage destruction
NGOs also strongly dispute the claims of the developers and their architects that the interior of the barracks was substantially altered in the 1980s, claiming that comparisons with original British architectural plans show that very little has changed over the past 129 years. The organisations accuse the authorities of deliberately excluding the barracks from Fort Chambray’s 2005 heritage scheduling in order to pave the way for its demolition for commercial gain.
A call for sustainable development
The NGOs therefore propose restoring the British Barracks for a historical interpretation centre, community space, or cultural hub that can give value to Gozo in sustainable tourism and cultural enrichment.
They emphasise that the protection of heritage should take priority over private gain and that it is high time that something was done before it is too late.
Statement issued by:
BirdLife Malta
Din l-Art Ħelwa
Din l-Art Ħelwa – Għawdex
Għawdix
Wirt Għawdex
Friends of the Earth Malta
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar
Moviment Graffitti
The Archaeological Society Malta
News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster
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