News Release

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna welcomes with satisfaction yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Abela, that the Government intends to reclaim the historic forts of Tigné in Sliema, Manoel in Gżira and San Salvatore in Kalkara from their present owners so that, together with Fort Campbell in Mellieħa, they may be restored and opened to the public.

For the past 40 years, FWA has consistently recommended this approach to the safeguarding of the many historic forts that dot the Maltese Islands and which, in the latter half of the 20th century, were unscrupulously leased as farms or for industrial use at derisory rates. Throughout this period, these forts suffered extensive damage as a result of neglect and misuse. At the same time, FWA, a self-funded non-governmental organisation, has demonstrated how, with genuine interest and commitment, historic forts can be successfully transformed into heritage attractions. This is evident in the historic defence works entrusted to it, namely Fort Rinella in Kalkara, Fort St Thomas in Marsaskala and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, all of which have enriched Malta’s tourism product and contributed directly to the improvement of the local economies in which they are located.

It is therefore with great pleasure that FWA welcomes this announcement and offers its full support and unique expertise in the restoration and management of historic fortifications to the Government, in the hope that this commitment will be implemented in the shortest possible time and in the best possible manner.