Momentum said that it fully supports the appeal by Europa Nostra and Din l-Art Helwa to halt the demolition of the historic British Barracks at Fort Chambray and called on the Government to intervene before this irreplaceable part of our national heritage is lost forever.

The Party said that the conclusions reached by Europa Nostra, one of Europe’s foremost heritage organisations, should serve as a wake-up call. Following its expert mission to Malta, Europa Nostra concluded that the barracks are of outstanding European architectural, cultural and historical significance, remain structurally sound, and can be restored and reused without compromising their historic character.

Dr Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said, “this is not simply a Gozo issue, and it is also not limited to a national issue. In fact, European organisations are raising concerns because historical heritage belongs to all citizens and future generations. The government has the means to act.”

He added that ”only recently, the government took the important decision to reacquire Manoel Island, Fort Tigne, Fort San Salvatore, and Fort Bingemma, so they could be returned to the Maltese people. That decision demonstrated that where there is political will, government can intervene to safeguard sites of national importance. The same principle should now be applied to Fort Chambray.”

Dr Agius pointed out that ”before the last general election, Prime Minister Robert Abela publicly pledged that his government was prepared to acquire privately owned land and property whenever this was necessary to return important sites to the public. This is precisely the type of case where that commitment should now be honoured.”

Momentum said that it therefore calls on the government to:

Immediately suspend any demolition works.

Begin discussions to reacquire the British Barracks and any land necessary to safeguard the site for the public interest.

Grant the barracks the highest level of heritage protection by scheduling them immediately.

Develop a long-term restoration and adaptive reuse project that respects the site’s historical significance while creating new opportunities for the public.

Saving the British Barracks is also a sound investment in Gozo’s future.

Restoring Fort Chambray would strengthen Gozo’s cultural tourism offering and preserve an authentic landmark that future generations can enjoy.

Momentum stated that it has put in its election manifesto that ‘Fort Chambray should become a national park, and thus urged the government to seize this opportunity to demonstrate that heritage protection is more than rhetoric.

”Once these buildings are demolished, they can never be replaced,” it said.

Photo of Fort Chambray supplied by Momentum

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