‘Help Us Save Fort Chambray’: NGOs Urge Public Support To Stop Demolition Of Historic British Barracks
Several Maltese NGOs have united to appeal the Planning Authority’s decision to demolish the historic British Barracks at Fort Chambray in Gozo.
The move would pave the way for a massive development project, including 105 residential units, a 64-room aparthotel, 50 apartments, and commercial facilities.
The organisations are urging the public to support their fight by donating to fund the appeal against this decision.
The campaign is supported by:
- BirdLife Malta
- Din l-Art Ħelwa
- Din l-Art Ħelwa – Għawdex
- Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar
- Għawdix
- Moviment Graffitti
- Ramblers’ Association of Malta
- The Archaeological Society Malta
- Wirt Għawdex
The NGOs have condemned the decision as a blatant disregard for Malta and Gozo’s cultural heritage, describing it as “a travesty that allows greed to triumph over history.”
They criticised the Ministry for Culture’s claim that the development aligns with the vision of the Knights, calling the statement absurd and evidence of politicians being out of touch with reality.
The organisations also voiced concerns over “evident collusion” between developers and politicians, noting that both the government and opposition have backed decisions that disregard the public interest.
The demolition proposal directly violates the Fort Chambray Development Brief, which mandates the preservation of the British Barracks—built in 1895—along with other historical sites within the fort.
The British Barracks is an iconic structure visible from Mġarr Harbour, symbolising Gozo’s rich history. The NGOs warned that replacing this landmark with a modern, multi-storey development would be an attack on Malta’s collective memory and identity.
The Planning Authority’s approval of the project (PA 3884/23) before deciding on an earlier application (PA 2454/16) to demolish the barracks raised serious concerns about procedural fairness.
Additionally, the barracks were never scheduled for protection, despite numerous requests from Gozitan organisations.
Fort Chambray has been neglected for 30 years due to failed concessions by successive Nationalist and Labour administrations. Last June, both parties voted to transfer the fort to a consortium of developers, despite the government’s right to reclaim the site for unfulfilled concession terms.
Under the new agreement, taxpayers will fund the fort’s restoration while developers reap the profits—a move the NGOs argue is a blatant betrayal of the Gozitan and Maltese people, depriving them of their right to enjoy their heritage.
The NGOs have vowed to use all legal means to halt the development and protect Malta and Gozo’s historical legacy.
They are calling on the public to stand with them in this fight against what they describe as the “wanton destruction” of our heritage.
They have also appealed for financial support, aiming to raise €5,000 to fund their appeals to save Fort Chambray.
So far, they have gathered €1,170. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so through here.
Do you think this proposal should be appealed?