Fort Chambray barracks on list of most endangered heritage sites in Europe
Demolition and dismantling of British-era barracks was approved by PA in 2024
Updated 2.13pm
The British military barracks at Fort Chambray in Gozo have been included in a shortlist of seven most endangered sites in Europe.
The list is compiled annually by Europa Nostra, the largest heritage network in Europe whose mission is to campaign to save Europe’s most endangered heritage sites and support actions led by member organisations.
In 2024, the Planning Authority approved plans to demolish the barracks, part of a wider redevelopment of the 18th century fort in Għajnsielem that includes a 5-star hotel and apartment blocks. Under the plans, the distinctive two-storey façade would be dismantled and relocated to the back of the site.
Sites that make the list receive €10,000 each, which goes towards efforts to safeguard them.
During a presentation announcing which sites had made it to the shortlist, Europa Nostra noted that despite the fact that the barracks were a typical example of 19th century British military architecture and a witness to Malta’s military and social history, they were now under imminent threat of destruction.
Speaking after the announcement, Patrick Calleja, president of Din L-Art Ħelwa - the NGO that nominated the site - said the barracks were not in danger because of natural disasters, but because of commercial interests and private speculation.
“This is not about obstructing progress, but protecting our identity. Let us not look at 300 years of history and only see a plot of land ripe for development. We must give a future to our past,” he said.
Among the other six sites to make it to the shortlist are an ancient village located on a Greek island, a gunpowder factory in Portugal and a brewery in Serbia.
The first list of endangered sites was compiled in 2013. Since then, 77 sites in 35 countries across the continent have received recognition.
“These are not just numbers – they are 77 stories of mobilisation, stories of courage and civic engagement, said Europa Nostra’s secretary general Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović.
While being on the list does not guarantee protection to Fort Chambray, the organisation’s vice president, Guy Clausse, said the programme provided leverage that local campaigners could use to strengthen their position.
Success stories include a bridge in France slated for demolition, but which was ultimately saved after being included on the list in 2016, and a historic garden in Verona included in 2021 that then received funds for its restoration following a severe storm.
The nomination was endorsed by fellow NGOs Wirt Għawdex and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar.
Moviment Graffitti, which occupied the barracks during a direct action in 2024, welcomed the news and called on the government to ensure the building received protection.
“We will continue to call for the revocation of the irregular permits issued by the PA, which are currently under appeal by other organisations and us. Such decisions undermine the fundamental principles of heritage conservation,” the NGO said in a statement.
Momentum called for the immediate suspension of any demolition work as it urged the government to “initiate steps” to return Fort Chambray to public ownership.
In a statement, party treasurer Carmel Asciak said sites such as Manoel Island, Fort Tigné, and Fort Chambray “deserve public protection” and should all be taken back into public ownership.
“Anything less would send the message that Gozo is considered less important than Malta and that the Gozitans are second-class citizens,” Asciak said.
He pointed out that the fort is even more significant for Gozo which has far fewer large-scale historic fortifications.
“Once lost, it cannot be recreated,” he said.
Asciak also argued that the residential complex planned at the site “is not intended to address the affordability needs of Gozitans and Maltese”.