NGOs have welcomed a revision of plans for Fort Chambray but continue to seek Grade 1 protection for the British Barracks.

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

The Ministry stated that the revision recognises the barracks' historical and architectural significance and would ensure that their heritage value informs the site's future development. It also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to working with the private sector to ensure that development plans respect Malta's cultural heritage.

Din l-Art Ħelwa and the Coalition for Gozo warmly welcome this news on Tuesday. However, one crucial matter was absent from the announcement: the need to grant the British Barracks the highest level of statutory protection through Grade 1 scheduling, the said in a statement.

Retaining these historic structures within the master plan and acknowledging their importance to the future of Fort Chambray are essential steps. Without Grade 1 protection, however, we risk seeing the barracks suffer a fate similar to that of the Grade 2 scheduled St George's Barracks, incorporated into the Hard Rock Hotel development, or Cambridge Barracks, whose Grade 2 scheduling did not prevent approval being granted for a 31-storey hotel within the barracks' footprint.

The controversial demolition of the British Barracks at Fort Chambray was approved by the Planning Authority in December 2024, with the endorsement of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. The following month, in January 2025, Din l-Art Ħelwa and the Coalition for Gozo formally requested an Emergency Conservation Order for the barracks and open the way for Scheduling the British Barracks at the highest protection grading for a building.

This request received widespread support from numerous NGOs, academics, the Għajnsielem and Kerċem Local Councils, two former prime ministers  (Dr Alfred Sant and Dr Lawrence Gonzi), Members of Parliament, other political figures and hundreds  of Maltese citizens. Our appeal went unheeded.

This year, Europa Nostra included the British Barracks among Europe's seven most endangered heritage sites. Its report recommended both Grade 1 scheduling and recognition through the prestigious European Heritage Label.

Preserving the exterior alone would be wholly inadequate if the original rooms, built by master mason Vitor Vella more than 120 years ago, were gutted to make way for hotel accommodation. The barracks' historic setting must also remain intact. Attaching a modern building to the barracks, or surrounding them with new blocks, would compromise their character and strip them of the very qualities that make them worthy of preservation.

We look forward to the Gozitan British Barracks being finally scheduled with Grade 1 protection. Nothing else will do!

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) also welcomed the decision to incorporate the historic Britishera barracks into the Fort Chambray Master Plan, recognising it as a positive step towards tourism development that respects Gozo's unique character, cultural heritage, and historical identity.

The Association said it has consistently maintained that tourism development and heritage conservation should not be viewed as opposing objectives. Rather, when planned responsibly, they can complement each other to create a more authentic, sustainable, and attractive tourism product.

The incorporation of the historic barracks into the master plan demonstrates how accommodation and tourism developments can integrate heritage assets, preserving the stories and architectural features that contribute to the distinct sense of place that visitors increasingly seek. Such an approach enhances the visitor experience while safeguarding elements of Gozo's rich past for future generations.

Gozo's heritage is one of the island's most valuable tourism assets. Development that respects and incorporates historic buildings and cultural elements not only preserves our identity but also strengthens the quality and authenticity of the tourism experience.

The association noted that Fort Chambray occupies a prominent position within Gozo's tourism landscape and that any development within the site should carefully balance economic investment with the protection of its historical and architectural significance. GTA believes that the adaptive reuse and integration of heritage structures within accommodation projects can create distinctive tourism offerings that set Gozo apart from other destinations.

Such projects contribute to preserving the island's character while supporting economic growth and investment in the tourism sector. The Association also welcomes the constructive dialogue that led to this outcome and encourages continued collaboration among Government, developers, heritage stakeholders, NGOs and the wider community to ensure that future tourism developments continue to reflect the values and identity that make Gozo unique.

The GTA said it remained committed to supporting tourism initiatives that promote sustainable growth, respect the island's heritage, and reinforce Gozo's reputation as an authentic Mediterranean destination where history, culture, and hospitality go hand in hand. 

In yet another statement, Momentum said it welcomed the news that the government wants to save the historic British-era barracks at Fort Chambray in Gozo from demolition and has included them in the amended masterplan for the restoration of the fort. This is a positive development and an important step towards safeguarding Gozo's historical and architectural heritage.

However, it remains unclear whether the barracks will receive Grade 1 or Grade 2 scheduling. Momentum insists that the government must guarantee Grade 1 protection to preserve the building in its entirety, including its historic interiors, original structure, and architectural features, without alterations that would compromise its heritage value. Whereas a Grade 2 protects only the building's main architectural features and allows for internal modifications, the party said.