Malta sparks outrage over decision to demolish historic British barracks

Peter Stevens
Fri, 01 May 2026 02:27:17 +0000

Malta has sparked outrage over its decision to demolish historic British barracks.

The Chambray Barracks, built in the 19th century, are set to be destroyed to and will 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.

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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.

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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.