Updated 5.40pm with developer's statement

Activists on Saturday stormed Fort Chambray for the second time, saying they fear construction work on the controversial project might begin before an appeal against its planning permit is concluded.

The project's architect, however, insisted no works can begin at this stage as the permit granted to them is non-executable at this stage. 

Demonstrators entered the Gozitan fortification on Saturday morning and hung up a banner titled “Law for the Gods (Liġi Għall-Allat)” in front of the British-era barracks, which are to be demolished and relocated. As the activists entered Fort Chambray, people chanted “Where is the appeals law reform?”

Currently, projects that have obtained Planning Authority approval can begin even if objectors file an appeal against those permits. The government pledged to revise that law two years ago but those plans lost steam following a public consultation period. 

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Robert Abela was unable to guarantee that the revised law would come into effect in 2025. 

What is the Fort Chambray project?

Plans to develop Fort Chambray were approved by the Planning Authority last December, which gave two separate permits filed by developer Michael Caruana the green light. 

Caruana intends to demolish the British-era barracks save for their facade, flanks and portico and rebuild them on another part of the site. The area will host a hotel, residential units and commercial facilities.  

The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage did not object to the demolition. 

NGOs Coalition for Gozo, Moviment Graffiti and Din l-Art Ħelwa have filed appeals against the development and asked that the Planning and Review Tribunal suspend works while it considers that appeal. It is rare for the tribunal to do so. 

The developer says the plan is in line with a 2012 decision by the PA's predecessor, MEPA, to demolish and rebuild the barracks. 

Demonstrators fear construction

Speaking on Saturday, Moviment Graffiti’s Andre Callus said “We are not going to accept that people who have money can dictate the Planning Authority and the law."

Din l-Art Ħelwa President Patrick Calleja called for the planning appeal reform, not only for this development but to put an end to all development that continues under appeal.

An emotional Daniel Cilia, representing the Coalition for Gozo, stood in front of the barracks, saying he feared it might be the last time he sees them. 

"It is a huge disappointment that part of Gozo's history is going to be destroyed, just to build a housing estate for the rich," Cilia said.

Police showed up at the site after being contacted by the gated community's security guards, Graffitti said in a statement following the event. Officers jotted down the details of some activists before they left.

Activists had first broken into Fort Chambray in December, before the PA gave permission for the demolition of the British barracks.

Most recently, the Coalition for Gozo - Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Għawdix and Wirt Għawdex – submitted an emergency conservation order request for the barracks that received over 800 signatures.

An emergency conservation order is given to protect a building for a period of one year, while the PA evaluates what level of protection the building deserves.

Architect: Permit is non-executable

However, the architect leading the project, Antoine Zammit, told Times of Malta that the permits for the project are currently non-executable.

“This means it is a non-starter. No work can start yet,” Zammit said.

The permit related to the demolition of the barracks (PA 02454/16) published to the PA website states that it is currently non-executable.

“No development may be carried out under the powers of the following development permission,” the permit states.

There are also two other permits related to the project. One, which concerns the removal of residential units and clearing of the site (PA 03438/23) can go ahead. 

The third, to build the hotel, residential units, commercial facilities and car park (PA 03884/23) has not yet been issued with a permit, executable or otherwise, though it was approved by the PA last year. 

Meanwhile, developer Michael Caruana told Times of Malta on Saturday afternoon: “There is absolutely no intention to commence works until a decision on the appeal has been taken. I have always followed the laws and procedures and shall continue to do so.”