Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547126
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 16 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS Gozo Regional Strategy to be reviewed three years after launch THE Gozo Regional Develop- ment Strategy 2023–2033 is being reviewed to assess pro- gress and determine whether its priorities need to be ad- justed to reflect the island's changing needs. Gozo Minister Clint Camill- eri announced the review, which will examine the strate- gy's implementation and iden- tify areas requiring further ac- tion for the remainder of the decade. The review will focus on key areas including infrastructure and connectivity, quality em- ployment, sustainable tour- ism, innovation, agriculture and environmental protection. Climate resilience, cleaner en- ergy, sustainable mobility and water resources will also fea- ture in Gozo's future develop- ment priorities. Camilleri said the strategy must remain responsive to residents' needs. He said that Gozo's development should be measured not only through economic growth but also through quality of life, envi- ronmental protection and a more diversified and resilient economy. Gozo Regional Development Authority chief executive Juergen Attard said the review would be evidence-based, as- sessing achievements, emerg- ing challenges and possible adjustments to the strategy. The process will also seek to align Gozo's long-term de- velopment with Malta Vision 2050 while safeguarding the island's identity, landscape and communities. The Gozo Regional Development Strategy 2023– 2033 is being reviewed to assess progress and determine whether its priorities need to be adjusted to ref lect the island's changing needs Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri (Photo: DOI) Fort Chambray barracks escape demolition under revised development plans HISTORIC British-era barracks have been incorporated into the Fort Chambray Master Plan fol- lowing discussions between the government and developers. In a statement issued on Mon- day, the government said the amendment recognises the his- torical and architectural signif- icance of the barracks, which form an important part of Fort Chambray's history and Malta's cultural heritage. Previous development plans for Fort Chambray ordered the demolition of the British-era barracks, with sections of their historic façade dismantled and reconstructed as part of a five- star hotel. The project was in- tended to consist of a 64-room 5-star aparthotel, 50 serviced apartments, and 105 residential units. During discussions, the gov- ernment and developers iden- tified the need to integrate the historic structures into the site's master plan, ensuring their her- itage value is considered in fu- ture development plans for Fort Chambray. "This development highlights the importance of ongoing di- alogue between government and the private sector," the statement read, "to ensure that the planning process considers both development potential and the need to respect histori- cal heritage." The earlier controversial plans for the demolition of the bar- racks were approved by the Planning Authority in Decem- ber 2024 and subsequently up- held by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal in April 2026, despite objections from heritage organisations. The barracks were also includ- ed in Europa Nostra's 2026 list of Europe's seven most endan- gered heritage sites, highlight- ing concerns over their future. The organisation had explained that the barracks represent a rare example of 19th-century British military architecture and form part of Malta's social story. NGOs have called for the Grade 1 scheduling of the Brit- ish Barracks at Fort Chambray, which is the highest level of her- itage protection in Malta and would require the site to be pre- served in its entirety with only very limited alterations allowed. It remains unclear whether the latest amendment to the master plan will see the barracks pre- served in their original location, or how it will affect the previ- ously approved demolition and relocation plans. GTA welcomes Fort Chambray Heritage plan The Gozo Tourism Associa- tion (GTA) has welcomed the inclusion of the British-era barracks in the Fort Chambray Master Plan, saying the deci- sion demonstrates how tourism development can be balanced with heritage conservation. Previously approved plans pro- vided for the barracks' demo- lition, with parts of the façade to be reconstructed as part of a five-star hotel. The buildings were also listed among Europa Nostra's 2026 most endangered heritage sites. While the latest amendment recognises their historical significance, it re- mains unclear whether they will be preserved in their original location. The GTA said adapting his- toric structures for tourism could protect Gozo's cultural identity, create authentic vis- itor experiences and support economic growth, while calling for continued cooperation be- tween government, developers, heritage organisations and the community to ensure future projects respect the island's character and history. Momentum demands Grade 1 protection for Fort Chambray Barracks Momentum has welcomed the government's decision to save the historic British-era barracks at Fort Chambray but called for immediate Grade 1 scheduling to protect the building's origi- nal structure, interiors and ar- chitectural features. Spokesper- son Dr Matthew Agius warned that preserving only the façade would not adequately safeguard its heritage value. The party al- so proposed turning undevel- oped sections of the fort into a national park, providing public access, green spaces and cultur- al activities. he 19th-century British Barracks are the only remaining examples of their kind on the island (File Photo)