A consortium based in Dubai, Sohum Wellness, has submitted a proposal for the restoration, rehabilitation, design and operation of the lower part of Fort St Elmo.

The request for proposals was issued by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation within the Infrastructure Ministry in October.

The lower part of the fort played a major part in Maltese history from the time of the knights to recent years, when it provided a backdrop to the film The Midnight Express. It was also used by carnival enthusiasts for many years.

Last year, the corporation finalised an extensive project which included the rehabilitation and regeneration of the upper part of the fort, a project which cost €15 million and which was partly financed by the EU. This part of the fort was now being operated by Heritage Malta.

In the coming weeks, the corporation will be evaluating Sohum Wellness's proposal in detail.