Din l-Art Ħelwa calls for Grade 1 scheduling of Fort Chambray’s British Barracks

Din l-Art Ħelwa National Trust for Malta has welcomed the finalisation of the expert mission report by Europa Nostra concerning the British Barracks at Fort Chambray, Gozo.

The report, prepared by Graham Bell and Christopher Hurst, following their visit to Malta in May 2026, provides a comprehensive assessment of the building’s outstanding architectural, cultural and European historical significance.

Din l-Art Ħelwa said it is gravely concerned that the British Barracks Married Quarters currently have no heritage protection and face an approved development proposal that would involve their demolition. The current scheme would see the historic two-storey arcaded façade dismantled and reconstructed as a decorative element of a new five-storey spa hotel, destroying the building’s integrity and authenticity.

“The report concludes unequivocally that the British Barracks merit Grade 1 scheduling. This level of protection is the highest available for cultural heritage in Malta and is already afforded to comparable military married quarters from the same era, including the Soldiers’ Married Quarters at St Andrew’s Barracks in Malta.  Din l-Art Ħelwa emphasises that Gozo’s heritage should not be held to a lesser standard,” the NGO said.

Din l-Art Ħelwa  said the British Barracks are an exceptionally early surviving example of purpose-built, multi-room family accommodation for ordinary British soldiers. They later served as a military hospital during the First World War and as Gozo’s leprosy hospital from 1937 to 1956. The report stresses that their significance lies not only in their distinctive limestone arcades but in the intact relationship between the façade, the internal structure and the surrounding fortifications.

Furthermore, the NGO said the report also demonstrates that adaptive reuse is economically viable without relying on the demolition and reconstruction of its historic fabric.

Din l-Art Ħelwa has urged the goverment to act immediately to ensure and retain the stability of the surrounding fortifications and overlying historic structures, including the polverista (gunpowder store) which has recently showed signs of considerable movement. The report highlights those parts of the fortifications, particularly on the western side, are affected by instability in the underlying geological formations and that conservation will require substantial structural engineering works. This intervention is required irrespective of whether further private development proceeds.

Executive President Patrick Calleja said that “We welcome the Europa Nostra report and its clear recommendation for Grade 1 scheduling.  It leaves no room for doubt and confirms what we have long maintained and been striving for: the British Barracks at Fort Chambray are of outstanding European significance and must be protected. We insist that the Authorities grant Grade 1 scheduling immediately and take the necessary steps to secure the stability of the fortifications, including the precariously perched polverista, which is showing alarming signs of movement. I would like to publicly thank Christopher Hurst and Graham Bell for their commitment to this Europa Nostra programme and DLĦ Councillors Daniel Cilia and Luke Said for their indefatigable efforts to save the Barracks from demolition and the rest of Fort Chambray from over development.”

Din l-Art Ħelwa has requested the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Planning Authority and the Government of Malta to act without delay. The British Barracks at Fort Chambray are a vital part of Gozo’s and Europe’s shared heritage. They must be protected now, before it is too late.