Moviment Graffitti has welcomed the news that the British Barracks at Fort Chambray have been selected by Europa Nostra as one of the seven most endangered heritage sites across Europe, and therefore as a site that merits protection.

The organisation stated that the British Barracks at Fort Chambray are currently under threat of demolition to make way for a large-scale development of apartment blocks and an aparthotel – a project that would completely undermine the historic integrity of Fort Chambray, which dates back to the time of the Knights.

In light of this European-level recognition, achieved through the collective effort led by Din l-Art Helwa and Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex, Moviment Graffitti insisted that the Maltese Government must shoulder its responsibility and grant the British Barracks at Fort Chambray the protection they deserve.

The irregular permits issued by the Planning Authority, which are currently under appeal before the EPRT, must be revoked immediately as they run counter to every principle of cultural heritage protection, the organisation said.

It added that recognition by Europa Nostra further strengthens the call for this historic building, and Fort Chambray itself, to be safeguarded from any insensitive development.

The activist group argued that ”it is wholly unjust that the people of Gozo and Malta are being deprived of the enjoyment of their heritage, while at the same time being expected to finance, through their taxes, the ‘restoration’of the Fort simply to facilitate a private development project.”

Moviment Graffitti reiterated its call for the Emergency Conservation Order requested in 2025 by a coalition of organisations – supported by the Ghajnsielem Local Council and signed by hundreds of citizens – to be upheld, and for the process to begin for the scheduling of the British Barracks.

It explained that these barracks are the only building of their kind in Gozo and are among the earliest, and possibly even the first example of married quarters in the British Empire. The building was constructed entirely in Globigerina Limestone by the same master mason who was entrusted with the construction of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, and research shows that the building dates back to at least 1895.

The request to schedule the Barracks, however, has consistently been ignored, the organisation said. ”The fact that the majority of British-era barracks buildings in Malta have been scheduled makes the failure to protect these barracks inexplicable.”

Graffitti noted that all the historic elements and buildings within Fort Chambray were scheduled in 2005, yet the scheduling of the British Barracks was left pending. ”It is evident that this was done to allow for their demolition in order to facilitate the development of Fort Chambray into a residential and commercial complex.”

It went on to say that ”claims that the British Barracks will simply be relocated are misleading: according to the contract, there is no obligation for the building to be preserved or relocated, and there is no guarantee that any part of the original structure will be reconstructed.”

The permits issued by the Planning Authority, which allow for the demolition and dismantling of the British Barracks to accommodate large-scale development, ”clearly contradict the Existing Buildings Retention Policy within the Fort Chambray Development Brief, which states that the Barracks, together with all other historic sites within Fort Chambray, may not be demolished but must instead be restored and conserved,” stated Graffitti.

The organisation insisted that ”despite misleading statements that the Barracks are in a poor state of repair and have undergone various alterations from their original structure, the building remains in very good condition and offers strong potential to be restored and sustainably transformed into a site that gives something back to the community.”

”Fort Chambray, and the historic sites contained within it, deserve protection from any insensitive development. Our historic heritage must take precedence over private profit,” concluded Moviment Graffitti.

File photo: Moviment Graffitti

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