Heritage Chief's Resignation Demanded After Fort Chambray Barracks Demolition Approved
In brief
- The Planning Authority has approved the demolition of British barracks at Fort Chambray.
- Heritage NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa has called for the immediate resignation of Superintendent for Cultural Heritage, Kurt Farrugia.
- The NGO criticised Farrugia for failing to ensure the preservation of the historic barracks.
The Planning Authority has approved the demolition of British barracks located within Fort Chambray, a decision that has drawn strong criticism from heritage advocates. Following this approval, heritage NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ) has called for the immediate resignation of Kurt Farrugia, the Superintendent for Cultural Heritage.
Din L-Art Ħelwa stated that Mr Farrugia failed to secure the preservation of the historic barracks, after developers successfully applied for permission to dismantle and demolish most of the structures.
The Maltese Herald also reported on this decision, describing it as one of two "damning planning applications" approved yesterday by the Planning Authority during an election campaign, which it said came "at the expense of national heritage." The other application mentioned involved a block of apartments near the prehistoric Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra, Gozo. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on Momentum's condemnation of the Ġgantija development.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both The Shift News and The Maltese Herald reported critically on the approval of the Fort Chambray barracks demolition, with The Shift News highlighting the call for the heritage chief's resignation, and The Maltese Herald noting the approval of "damning" planning applications during an election campaign.