The latest chapter in the saga surrounding a concession granted by the government for land in Tigne and Manoel Island to MIDI plc years back concerns the historic Fort Tigne.

Fort Tigne was built by the Order of St John between 1793 and 1795 - making it one of the last pieces of fortifications that the Knights built while in Malta.  It is one of the oldest polygonal forts in the world and remained in use by the British military up until its departure in 1979.

It subsequently fell into disrepair before being included in the concession signed between the government and MIDI plc which eventually permitted the development of Tigne Point and was set to allow development on Manoel Island, until an agreement was reached for that area to come back to the state.

Fort Tigne has been subject to significant restoration by MIDI since the concession was taken over, and has remained untouched by commercial development.

But that latter part may change after reports emerged that MIDI had reached an agreement with Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli to sell him the fort for €2.5 million with plans to convert the historic site into a hotel.

The prospect of commercial development at the Fort has raised alarm, particularly among those with Malta's cultural heritage at heart.

Din L-Art Helwa noted that under the emphyteutical deed signed with the Government in 2000, MIDI is legally bound not to transfer assets considered part of Malta's national heritage - including Fort Tigné - without prior government approval.

The government is yet to comment on the agreement or the prospect of the Fort being shifted to Portelli and turned into a hotel.

The conversion of Fort Tigné into a hotel cannot be undertaken without seriously compromising the construction, historic nature and context of the site, DLH said, and also said that turning one of the most significant and unique forts within this bid into a hotel seriously risks jeopardising Malta's chances of UNESCO recognition before the application is even considered.

The political party Momentum meanwhile went a step further and said that the government should move to secure the Fort as a public asset and allocate €2.5 million to buy back the Tigné Fort emphyteusis.

"The government has previously invested in cultural and community assets for the public good. For example, €9.2 million to purchase the King's Own Band Club and €21 million to acquire other band clubs across Malta for local communities," the party said.

This is an agreeable line of thinking.

Fort Tigne's location and characteristics make it a perfect place for a historical attraction, even in the form of a new museum, that will be a high-quality place for locals and tourists alike to visit and learn about Malta's heritage.

The restoration of St Thomas Tower in Marsaskala and its reopening as a museum about piracy in Malta is the perfect blueprint for this.

The government has invested millions in purchasing band clubs where the occupants were being faced with eviction in order to protect Malta's socio-cultural heritage - there is no reason why, under the same line of thinking, the government should not invest another €2.5 million in order to safeguard this important piece of military and architectural heritage.