Fort St Angelo is set to be restored and then transformed into a cultural experience for all to savour, now that the government’s heritage agency has been granted €13.4 million in EU funds.

Restoring it is not enough. It deserves to have a function that respects its history

The “iconic” Vittoriosa fort, which represents an important part of Maltese history, is currently closed off because of its dangerously dilapidated state.

“It has been painful for me to see the fort closed off to the public... Through these structural funds Heritage Malta will be able to restore and give a function to the fort,” Culture Minister Mario de Marco said, as he stood on the roof of the fort surrounded by a 360-degree view of the Grand Harbour.

“Restoring it is not enough. It deserves to have a function that respects its history,” he said.

Project architect Ruben Abela said the €13.4 million will cover archaeological research, restoration works and the installation of specialised equipment that will turn the fort into an experience.

Once the three-year project is completed, visitors will be able to walk through the fort to explore it and learn about its history, passing through an interactive experience in the vaults and a museum shop along the way. The idea is to ensure the fort is “physically and intellectually accessible” to everyone.

The open spaces will be used for cultural activities and the barracks will be restored into a sleeping area where visitors can spend the night to get the complete “fort experience”. This, though, would not be a hotel.

When it comes to the restoration, the plan is to retain all structures that pre-date 1979 – when the fort was last used by the British navy. Works will soon start on the main door and the ramp leading up to it.

Emergency works on the fort are being carried out through a €1.5 million government grant. They started in June when a swimming pool, dating back to the 1980s, was removed together with a water tank that was overlooking it.

Dr de Marco said Heritage Malta was in talks with the Order of the Knights of St John to encourage cooperation and a single vision for the whole fort.

He said the project was part of the government’s plan to attract more economic activity towards the Cottonera area where only 33 per cent of tourists ventured.