The Fort Chambray Master Plan has been amended to include the historic British-era barracks, the Ministry for Arts and Culture said in a statement after discussions with the developers behind the project for the area.

“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,” the ministry said.

The demolition of the historic barracks was approved by the Planning Authority and a tribunal after it, but activists continued putting pressure on the authorities to protect the building.

It was named by Europa Nostra one of the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe and described by the same organisation as being of "outstanding European architectural, cultural and historical significance."

The Ministry said that through discussions, the government and the developers identified the need to incorporate these historic structures into the site’s overall plan, ensuring their value is taken into account in the future vision for Fort Chambray.

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 said.

Moreover, it said 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.