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5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS proposal as a throwback to the past when the importance of British era heritage was down- played. She also called on board members to correct the mistakes of the past. "You are responsible to protect the heritage which we will pass to our children" in an emotional appeal to board members. She also pointed out that the public spaces being created sim- ply accommodate the commer- cial development. PA executive chairman Oliver Magro intervened in the meet- ing to state that the develop- ment brief invoked by NGOs against the development had been superseded by the local plan approved in 2006. Architect Antoine Zammit in- sisted that the aim of the pro- ject is "to construct a project of quality based on the principles of green urbanism" and respects "the historical context." Zammit also argued that the relocation of the British barracks' screen and flanks to an area close to the Knights' barracks, follows the urban principles of the project. While presenting photomon- tages the architect insisted that the project represents an im- provement in terms of stepping and volumes over an outline permit issued in 2012. Gaston Camilleri from archi- tectural firm TBA Periti insisted that the application was preced- ed by an outline permit issued in 2012 which had already foreseen the demolition and partial relo- cation of British Barracks. He explained that all stones of the barracks which are set to be relocated have been numbered to ensure the proper reconstruc- tion. The expansion of develop- ment in the historical fort fol- lows a parliamentary decision earlier this year in which MPs from both sides of the house approved changes to the origi- nal 2005 concession that effec- tively means that the original concessionaire – Gozitan busi- nessman Michael Caruana – can sell the concession to a group of unnamed investors who are re- portedly in negotiations over the site. NGOs slam Planning Authority's nod to destruction of British barracks Three Gozitan NGOs together with Moviment Graffitti, have strongly condemned the Plan- ning Authority's recommenda- tion to approve the destruction and development of Fort Cham- bray. This comes three weeks after the NGOs carried out direct ac- tion at Fort Chambray to oppose these plans. The Planning Authority has issued two recommendations for approval: one for the dem- olition of the historic British barracks and another for the development of the Fort into an aparthotel, apartment blocks, and commercial facilities. A de- cision on both applications is expected on 12 December. The NGOs (Moviment Graffit- ti, Din l-Art Ħelwa - Għawdex, Wirt Għawdex, and Għawdix ) expressed deep concern that these recommendations were issued despite receiving approx- imately 1,400 objections against the demolition of the British Barracks. The NGOs have repeatedly called for the scheduling and protection of the barracks, which date back to around 1895, arguing that these structures are an essential part of Gozo's cultural and historical identity. Their calls are echoed by the Gozo Regional Development Authority. The NGOs highlighted that this proposed destruction breaches the Cultural Herit- age Act and contravenes PA Circular 3/20 (6.5), which safeguards the context of scheduled buildings. Fort Chambray, a Grade 1 sched- uled fort, is composed al- most entirely of Grade 1 and 2 scheduled buildings, yet the Planning Authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage are treating it as if it were merely a site for develop- ment. Additionally, the NGOs point- ed out that the proposal violates the Fort Chambray Develop- ment Brief's Existing Buildings Retention Policy, which man- dates that historic structures, including the British Barracks, must be retained, restored, and conserved. The NGOs criticised both PN and PL administrations, accus- ing them of allowing Fort Cham- bray to deteriorate over the last 30 years through failed conces- sions. They argued that the June Parliamentary resolution allow- ing the original concessionaire, Michael Caruana, to sell the government concession to other developers was a betrayal of the Gozitan and Maltese people. Under the current agreement, government will bear the costs for terrain consolidation, resto- ration, and fortification mainte- nance — meaning public funds will be used to facilitate the de- velopers' ability to profit. Din l-Art Helwa and the Opposition In a statement on Thursday, Din l-Art Ħelwacalled on the Opposition to take a stand on the recent development permissions issued for the demolition of the barracks in Fort Chambray and the construction of a housing es- tate and tourist complex. The NGO expressed concern after the Opposition issued a statement earlier this week call- ing for a stronger Planning Au- thority, but failed to mention the most topical of its controversial decisions. Din l-Art Ħelwa said that the outline development permit for this monstrous over-develop- ment of Fort Chambray was is- sued in 2012 – during the PN's term in Government. Din l-Art Ħelwa had also objected to the original proposal way back in 2007. The permit issued for the dem- olition has sparked unprece- dented outrage among citizens, heritage advocates, art histori- ans and environmentalists alike, all of whom have rallied to pro- tect our nation's historical lega- cy, the eNGO said. Din l-Art Ħelwa together with numerous other NGOs and aca- demics will be appealing against this development.

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