The Fort Chambray Master Plan has been revised to incorporate the historic British-era barracks, following discussions between the Government and the developers, the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage has announced.

In a statement, the Ministry said that this amendment to the Master Plan acknowledges the ”historical and architectural significance of the building, which forms an integral part of Fort Chambray’s history as well as the cultural and historical heritage of Gozo and Malta.”

Through these discussions, ”the Government and the developers identified the need to include these historic structures in the site’s overall plan, ensuring their value is taken into account in the future vision for Fort Chambray,” the Ministry said.

It stressed that ”this development highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue between the Government and the private sector – particularly regarding sites of historical and cultural value – to ensure that the planning process considers both development potential and the need to respect historical heritage.”

The Ministry concluded by saying that the Government ”remains committed to ensuring, through collaboration and constructive discussion, that our country’s historical and cultural heritage is given due consideration in future plans.”

In February, Fort Chambray’s British Barracks in Gozo was named one of the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2026. The announcement was made at an event by Europa Nostra and supported by the European Investment Bank Institute (EIB Institute).

The listing is the result of a nomination submitted by Din l-Art Helwa, the National Trust for Malta. The 7 sites were selected by the Board of Europa Nostra from among the shortlisted fourteen cases of heritage at risk previously selected by an international Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme. A Site Under Immediate Threat.

An expert mission report by Europa Nostra concerning the British Barracks at Fort Chambray, called 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.

The experts concluded that its qualities warrant immediate Grade 1 statutory protection. They noted that ”comparable military married quarters in Malta and elsewhere have been recognised and retained for adaptive reuse, while the heritage value of the British Barracks in Gozo remains insufficiently protected.”

The report’s recommendations included:

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.

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

File photo: DLHGh

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