Momentum proposes national park at Fort Chambray

Momentum have proposed to transform undeveloped sections of Fort Chambray into a national park.

The party explained that their policy focuses on safeguarding the site overlooking ix-Xatt l-Aħmar through a mandate which would protect the endangered British Barracks. Noting that the structure is the only surviving example of British military residential architecture in Gozo, Momentum insisted that it represents an irreplaceable chapter of Malta’s collective memory.

The development was appealed twice by 11 NGOs and several individuals who argued that the dismantling of the barracks breaches the 1992 Fort Chambray Development Brief, which states the structure should be “retained, restored and conserved.” At the same time, they insisted that the building holds significant heritage value and that its partial demolition violated planning policy safeguards.

Regardless, the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) upheld planning permits intending to dismantle sections of the barracks to become part of a hotel.

Momentum referenced the heritage organisation Europa Nostra, which recently stated that “Fort Chambray is a site of high historical and symbolic value, representing a unique layer of Gozo’s military and social history. The 19th-century British Barracks are the only remaining examples of their kind on the island, yet they face imminent demolition to make way for a dense residential development.”

“Inheriting heritage may be inevitable, but protecting it is always a choice,” Momentum Candidate Carmel Asciak said. “ While the government looks at creating national parks in Malta, Gozo cannot be left behind. Gozitans deserve the exact same ambition and quality of life.”

The party said that their proposal was inspired by a widely circulated WhatsApp video which highlighted the urgent need for more green spaces in Gozo, adding that the party has always been in favour of giving Fort Chambray back to the people. 

Pointing out that one of their very first campaigns after forming the party aimed to protect the barracks, Momentum pledged to ensure that this historic structure provides meaningful opportunities for cultural engagement, education, and sustainable tourism grounded in respect rather than commercial exploitation.