Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546061
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 AUGUST 2026 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Sliema's Fortizza to get German Kraft microbrewery The landmark British-era Sliema Point Battery, better known as il-Fortizza, will undergo restoration works aimed at removing later additions and creating new facilities within the historic structure, including a microbrewery linked to its existing restaurant use THE Sliema Point Battey, better known as Il-Fortizza, will be re- stored and a new microbrewery introduced within the historic building, while existing catering facilities will be upgraded. The Planning Authority has approved a series of interven- tions aimed at restoring orig- inal features, removing later accretions and adapting un- derused areas of the Grade 1 scheduled monument. The approved project, sub- mitted by Andreas Bollen on behalf of German Kraft, in- volves the restoration of inter- nal and external spaces of the fort, including the removal of recent structures to recover original casemates which once housed Royal Marine Light (RML) guns. German Kraft is an independ- ent, UK-based craft beer com- pany. The business operates multi-vendor community tap- rooms inside commercial food markets, including locations in London (Mayfair and Elephant & Castle) and Vienna The works will also include al- terations at basement level, the reinstatement of former shell stores, the removal of inappro- priate additions, improvements to accessibility through new lifts, and the rehabilitation of parts of the original ditch area. One of the main changes in- volves the installation of a mi- crobrewery within the ditch along Tower Road. The Plan- ning Authority's case officer said the new facility would be considered ancillary to the ex- isting catering establishment operating from the fort and would not create additional parking requirements. The microbrewery will have a lightweight, reversible glazed roof. The brewery equipment would include fermentation tanks, pumps and service units. These will be placed on sup- ports to avoid contact with the historic fabric. The proposal effectively changes part of the basement area, previously used as a din- ing space, into a production and storage area linked to the brewery, including staff facili- ties and sanitary amenities. The existing restaurant use at il-Fortizza will remain, with the approved premises contin- uing to operate as a catering establishment for the prepara- tion and sale of food and drink for consumption on site. The project also includes changes to outdoor catering areas. The case officer noted that previous proposals for ad- ditional seating areas closer to the promenade had been re- fused because of their impact on the setting of the historic fortification. However, the latest plans re- moved tables and chairs pre- viously proposed adjacent to the promenade and did not include permanent canopies. The case officer concluded that the proposed outdoor ca- tering arrangements were ac- ceptable, given that parts of the surrounding area had already been approved for restaurant use and shading would be lim- ited to umbrellas. The Superintendence of Cul- tural Heritage initially raised concerns about some interven- tions, particularly new open- ings and alterations to original fabric, but eventually raised no objection after revised plans and a works method statement were submitted. The authority said the project would contribute towards the "rehabilitation and long-term safeguarding" of the scheduled fortification by removing un- sympathetic additions, rein- stating historic elements and giving underused spaces a via- ble new function. The permit includes condi- tions requiring monitoring by the Superintendence of Cul- tural Heritage and a €7,000 bank guarantee to ensure that restoration works are carried out according to the approved method statement. A separate €5,000 guarantee was also imposed to ensure the removal of existing illegalities on site, including low walls with glass railings and an out- building. Il-Fortizza, constructed dur- ing the British period as Sliema Point Battery, is recognised by the Planning Authority as a monument of high historical and architectural value reflect- ing Malta's strategic military importance. The site has hosted a restau- rant for decades, with previous permits allowing alterations and dining areas within parts of the complex. The approved project follows a parallel application concern- ing restoration of the external fabric of the fortification. Il-Fortizza, constructed during the British period as Sliema Point Battery, is recognised by the Planning Authority as a monument of high historical and architectural value reflecting Malta's strategic military importance