Din l-Art Helwa National Trust for Malta has welcomed the finalisation of the expert mission report by Europa Nostra concerning the British Barracks at Fort Chambray, Gozo, which calls for the ”immediate Grade 1 protection and adaptive reuse of the British Barracks at Fort Chambray.”

The report, prepared by Mr Graham Bell and Mr Christopher Hurst, following their visit to Malta in May 2026, provides a comprehensive assessment of the building’s outstanding architectural, cultural and European historical significance.

Din l-Art Helwa, in a statement on Tuesday, said that it is ”gravely concerned that the British Barracks Married Quarters currently have no heritage protection and face an approved development proposal that would involve their demolition. The current scheme would see the historic two-storey arcaded façade dismantled and reconstructed as a decorative element of a new five-storey spa hotel, destroying the building’s integrity and authenticity.”

DLH said that the report concludes unequivocally that the British Barracks merit Grade 1 scheduling. ”This level of protection is the highest available for cultural heritage in Malta and is already afforded to comparable military married quarters from the same era, including the Soldiers’ Married Quarters at St Andrew’s Barracks in Malta.”

Din l-Art Helwa emphasised that ”Gozo’s heritage should not be held to a lesser standard.”

It highlighted that the British Barracks are an exceptionally early surviving example of purpose-built, multi-room family accommodation for ordinary British soldiers. They later served as a military hospital during the First World War and as Gozo’s leprosy hospital from 1937 to 1956. The report stresses that their significance lies not only in their distinctive limestone arcades but in the intact relationship between the façade, the internal structure and the surrounding fortifications.

Din l-Art Helwa strongly supports the report’s recommendations, which include:

Grade 1 scheduling for the Barracks and their essential setting, including the open foreground and important public views.

Preparation of an application for the European Heritage Label.

Consideration by the Government of recovering the Barracks and surrounding land for public ownership to ensure their restoration, reuse and public accessibility.

Incorporation of the restored building into the European Capital of Culture 2031 programme as a lasting cultural asset.

DLH pointed out that ”the report also demonstrates that adaptive reuse is economically viable without relying on the demolition and reconstruction of its historic fabric.”

Din l-Art Helwa also urged the Government of Malta to ”act immediately to ensure and retain the stability of the surrounding fortifications and overlying historic structures, including the polverista (gunpowder store) which has recently showed signs of considerable movement.”

It added that the report highlights that parts of the fortifications, particularly on the western side, are affected by instability in the underlying geological formations and that conservation will require substantial structural engineering works. This intervention is required irrespective of whether further private development proceeds.

Executive President Patrick Calleja said that, “we welcome the Europa Nostra report and its clear recommendation for Grade 1 scheduling. It leaves no room for doubt and confirms what we have long maintained and been striving for: the British Barracks at Fort Chambray are of outstanding European significance and must be protected. We insist that the Authorities grant Grade 1 scheduling immediately and take the necessary steps to secure the stability of the fortifications, including the precariously perched polverista, which is showing alarming signs of movement. I would like to publicly thank Mr Christopher Hurst and Mr Graham Bell for their commitment to this Europa Nostra programme and DL? Councillors Daniel Cilia and Luke Said for their indefatigable efforts to save the Barracks from demolition and the rest of Fort Chambray from over development.”

Din l-Art Helwa concluded by requesting that the ”Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Planning Authority and the Government of Malta to act without delay. The British Barracks at Fort Chambray are a vital part of Gozo’s and Europe’s shared heritage. They must be protected now, before it is too late.”

The expert mission report by Europa Nostra can be read in full by clicking here.

File photo: British Barracks Fort Chambray DLHGh

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