Express and GB News join The Telegraph in condeming the decision to destroy a British Barracks in Gozo
Yesterday, I published an article in The Telegraph about the Planning Authority’s decision to demolish British Barracks at Fort Chambray, Gozo. This decision was also reported by two other British Media outlets, GB News and The Express.
The Express reported on the fury of activists over this decision. It went on writing that
“Appeals to save a historic British barracks from demolition in Malta have been rejected, sparking outrage among campaigners. The 19th century Chambray Barracks are to be knocked down to make way for a five-star hotel and apartment complex, despite strong resistance from heritage groups.
Malta’s Environment and Planning Review Tribunal on Thursday upheld a decision by the authorities to approve the demolition. The two-storey barracks are part of Fort Chambray which overlooks the main harbour of Gozo — Malta’s sister island. One campaigner said he felt “like crying” after the ruling.
Daniel Cilia, a member of heritage group Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, said he was “devastated” by the outcome.
“I don’t understand how a building like this can be demolished,” he said, according to The Telegraph.
“It is very important for Gozo – the only British barracks on the island. It’s a prime example of the British colonial presence.”
Andre Callus, from civil society group Moviment Graffiti, said he was “angry and shocked”.
Local reports say parts of Chambray Barracks will be incorporated into the hotel development.
The barracks in the Mediterranean were reportedly some of the first married quarters to be built for UK troops and their families anywhere in the British Empire.
It comes amid wider concerns over the rising number of new developments along Malta’s coastlines.
Campaigners’ last remaining chance of stopping the barracks being knocked down is through Malta’s Court of Appeal, The Telegraph reports.
Local reports say parts of Chambray Barracks will be incorporated into the hotel development.
The barracks in the Mediterranean were reportedly some of the first married quarters to be built for UK troops and their families anywhere in the British Empire.
It comes amid wider concerns over the rising number of new developments along Malta’s coastlines.
Campaigners’ last remaining chance of stopping the barracks being knocked down is through Malta’s Court of Appeal, The Telegraph reports.”
Gbnews was on the same lines. It also mentioned outrage among activists over this decision.
“Malta has sparked outrage over its decision to demolish historic British barracks.
The Chambray Barracks, built in the 19th century, are set to be replaced by a five-star hotel and apartment development.
On Thursday, Malta’s Environment and Planning Review Tribunal rejected an appeal by heritage groups to save the barracks.
It upheld a decision made by the country’s Planning Authority which had approved the demolition.
The barracks were built as the first married quarters to be constructed for British soldiers and their families anywhere.
Campaigners have said the demolition represents a tragic loss of colonial heritage.
Andre Callus, a member of Moviment Graffiti, a civil society group, said he was “angry and shocked” by the decision.
“The barracks are huge and very impressive. They’re in pretty good condition, despite having been fenced off for 20 years,” he added.
Located in Għajnsielem in Gozo, the second-largest island in the archipelago.
And member of heritage group Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, said he was “devastated”.
He said: “I don’t understand how a building like this can be demolished. It is very important for Gozo – the only British barracks on the island. It’s a prime example of the British colonial presence.”
The site is part of the larger Fort Chambray, built by the Knights of Malta, a lay religious order, which occupied the islands after being kicked out of its base in Rhodes in the early 16th century.
It was used as a hospital for British soldiers during the First World War, and later used as a civilian mental hospital after the war.
Parts of the historic structure will be incorporated into the new luxury hotel, according to local media.
Mr Cilla said: “The façade will be moved and incorporated into the new hotel, where it will be totally out of context. 80 per cent of the original building will be destroyed.”
Heritage campaigners only hope is to bring the case to Malta’s Court of Appeal.
In February, the historic building was named one of the most endangered heritage sites in Europe by Europa Nostra, a heritage organisation.
The fight over the preservation of the barracks is a representative of a larger legal battle between conservation groups and developers.
Campaigners have argued the islands of Malta and Gozo were being overrun by development.
The Times of Malta wrote in an editorial earlier this year: “These barracks are a tangible connection to a pivotal period in Malta’s history and stand as the last remaining witness in Gozo to an era when Malta was central to the British Empire’s Mediterranean network.”