In a statement on Tuesday, The Ghajnsielem Local Council has said that “in light of the discussion that has continued to mature, including through meetings with NGOs, the Council will be supporting the request being made by Din l-Art Helwa Ghawdex, Ghawdix, and Wirt Ghawdex for the British barracks at Fort Chambray to be scheduled (protected).”

The Ghajnsielem Local Council said that the decision taken last December where it voted “in favour of the plan for the third and final phase of the project was based on a number of consideration.”

These included:

“Historic buildings such as the entrance to the Fort, the Doctor’s House, the Naval Bakery, the Knights’ Barracks and the Polverista area are planned to be restored;

The fact that through this development it seems that some form of intervention or action will finally begin to be taken so that part of the ramparts, which are in imminent danger of falling, can be saved and restored;

The consortium has offered from the very beginning for the G?ajnsielem Local Council to be involved in the discussions regarding the use of the moat as a space open to the public, while a suggestion by the Council is also being discussed so that part of this space is specifically for the use of children with special needs;

The investment in tourist facilities will be of benefit to Ghajnsielem;

The Council currently has a problem regarding the way waste is being collected from Fort Chambray. Discussions are underway with the consortium so that the new development will have a waste collection system that makes sense for an area of this size.

The fact that Fort Chambray has been under construction for over 20 years, the Council felt that finally, with the completion of the third phase of Fort Chambray, this site would be ready and open to the public. At present, the people of Ghajnsielem have no access and do not benefit from this historical place.”

The Ghajnsielem Local Council continued by saying that “in the context of the proposed plan and the fact that the British barracks were not scheduled, the Council followed the recommendation of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage on the best way to relocate and reconstruct them. However, if these Barracks can be further protected and safeguarded, the Council will give its support.”

“In the circumstances of the way the fortress has developed over the years, Fort Chambray still has the chance to benefit the community through the enjoyment of its historical heritage by all and at the same time be an attraction for new investment, including tourism,” it said.

Photo: Ghajnsielem Local Council

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