Fort Campbell in Selmun, Mellieha is unique for many reasons. The fort was the last fort built by the British military in Malta just before the Second World War.

Its function was that of protecting the areas of Mellieha and St. Paul’s Bay, with guns also protecting seaplane operations in Mistra. The site had defence electric lights situated away from the Fort. At the time, this fortress was a facility to serve the British services.

Fort Campbell today - in a disastrous state

At the beginning of the year, after a visit to Selmun and to Fort Campbell, I posted a number of photos online indicating the real dangers that exist in this historically important site.

Several dangerous buildings, some even with stolen beams and apertures are present, and no maintenance works are visible.

I asked a number of questions regarding the way forward for this area, and whether the government was willing to do something to safeguard it. The number of people and children visiting these sites on holidays and during weekends is quite high, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The removal of all the dangers that exist within the site is urgently needed. The site needs to be given its’ due importance and be restored. One also hopes that vandalism will be stopped.

It seems that my posts re-ignited interest in the area, including on the Selmun Palace itself, and the former Selmun Palace Hotel as well, with comments online being posted and a feature on the National TV station.

Yet... nothing happened.

For many, the area is unknown. For some it was the source of some very precious structural beams which have been stolen (a ‘great’ job), over a period of years. For others it was the place where acts of vandalism could be carried out. Nowadays, it is a area where people can enjoy some open space activities, away from traffic.

Going back to 2014

But the site is a completely derelict area. Some years ago, in 2014, the Government had declared that its intention for this area was not to leave it in a state of abandonment, but rather that it be rehabilitated. We also heard that it was not excluded that the Government could, in the future, issue an expression of interest for these areas. We were promised that it will be taken care of due to its high historical importance. Unfortunately this did not materialise.

We were promised, yet again in 2014, that the use of these fortifications was in the Government’s plans, which included also a holistic plan for the adjacent areas. This, after it became known that the Mellieha Local Council had stopped being interested in developing or making use of the site. Originally, the Mellieha Local Council had submitted its interest in regenerating this area, wanting the devolution of Fort Campbell while funding from the European Union was expected. However this idea was then abandoned.

Plans for the future

Over the past years we have heard about several proposals, even from the private sector, but none of these ended up being implemented. These included a National Shooting Range, restoration works, and an Airsoft Range from an NGO.

Now the site requires major investment to return to its original condition. The funds required are enormous.

The site, as in most other sites developed by the British forces, is located in a strategically important area. The views are astonishing, and the natural surroundings are astounding. It is a great pity that it has been left unattended for so many years, accessible to one and all, and yet with no one ensuring that it is well kept.

A visit to the site, on all days of the week but especially on Sundays and public holidays, shows that there is a natural attraction to this area. People go there, they let their children move around oblivious of the dangers that exist on site. Other people simply climb on top of roofs which are in danger of collapsing.

Concrete action

For many years nothing has taken place on site. When I posted the photos and comments I wanted to create a sort of discussion that could possibly lead to some concrete action. Up to a certain extent this has happened. However, the discussion will have to be followed by concrete action, which, unfortunately, did not take place.

The only body that could take this action is the Government or some other public entity. I am informed that the private and voluntary sectors, even some architecture students had shown interest in restoring the area in the past. A sustainable, non-intrusive use of the area had to be developed, but this interest was not pursued.

History has shown us that the area has potential. To sustain that potential there must be a concrete will to take the necessary action. What was developed on site, even though quite large in extent, did not create an eyesore.

I, once again, call on the Government to provide the necessary funds to carry out the much needed restoration as soon as possible. This will preserve this site whilst avoiding any accidents from occurring, as happened just a few weeks ago in the area. I appeal to the authorities to prepare, or at least, ask for concrete proposals that could result in the area’s reuse without ruining it.

Perit Graziella Galea is a PN Candidate - 12th District