Initial restoration of Fort St Angelo to be discussed by Mepa
The Planning Authority Board is tomorrow due to consider an application by the governemnt for permits to carry out restoration on the external ramp leading to the main gate of Fort St Angelo, the main gate façade and the area behind it.
Other works are also to be carried out on the ramp leading to the lower level of the fort and the sally port leading to De Guirial battery.
Environmental NGOs over the past months had called for urgent works to stop the rapid deterioration of the historic fort.
However their calls for restoration of the fort were by no means new. As far back as July, 1929, the British Naval Authorities wrote to the Antiquities Committee regarding the need to 'reface' the gateway of Fort St Angelo. At the time, the stonework of the original gate was already so eroded that most of the masonry needed to be replaced.
The fort suffered further damage during the war, when it was hit by aerial bombing.
Several structures were built within its walls by the British forces and later, by the Maltese government when the fort was planned to become a hotel. Many of them have since been demolished, but the fort has since suffered from years of disuse.
The fort was closed off after dangerous cracks appeared in the stonework in July last year. Heritage Malta, which is responsible for the fort, then filed an urgent application for emergency repairs.
The government announced a €1.5 million fund for emergency repairs in the last Budget speech and another €22 million were allocated for the fort's restoration a week later, during the Budget debate on the allocations for the ministry responsible for culture.
Government spokesmen also said that the EU funds would be used to restore and re-open the whole fort, transforming it into a cultural heritage attraction with heritage trails, historical re-enactments and a three-dimensional presentation for visitors.
In a call for expressions of interest, the government invited organisations to submit detailed plans, which would include quotes, designs and studies.
But restoring the fort will not be an easy task. The €1.5 million are just a stopgap measure to restore parts of the main gate and the bottom part ramp, part of which developed deep fissures. The situation is so bad in this area that architects have installed small sheets of glass across the cracks in the stonework, warning those within the fort to evacuate if these break.
Also, the roof of the tunnel beneath the road that leads to the fort collapsed, leaving a gaping hole several metres deep. The stonework has been worn away by the weather and is heavily damaged in some parts by the sea spray. Parts of the fortified walls are being badly damaged by tree roots that have become deeply embedded in the bastions.
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Raymond Sammut
Apr 29th 2010, 00:37
"Parts of the fortified walls are being badly damaged by tree roots that have become deeply embedded in the bastions."
A touch of cognizance to finish off in style this depressive report.
I am amazed by the fact that Malta's Prime Minister appears to be the only person in Malta who showed common sense by expunging vegetation once and for all from a historical structure.
It should be made illegal to plant trees, shrubs and vines in or near historical buildings unless by a qualified arborist. Only arborists know what, where and how to plant without causing damage in the long run. Such laws should be enacted and enforced to help protect Malta's precious heritage.
victor pulis
Apr 28th 2010, 15:32
Hopefully it will not take MEPA months or even years to approve the application. Fort St. Angelo is dying with every day that passes. Hopefully when the permit is approved the fort will be used as a historical site and its dignity restored. Hopefully no modern amenities like spa centres or boutiques will be included to the building. Hopefully the cavalier will also get the attention it deserves. The idea of transforming the fort into a cultural centre is commendable the de Guiral battery needs to be restored to its original design and not turned into a seafood outlet as was once suggested. Fort St. Angelo could be turned into a historical jewel if the works are entrusted to persons who are sensitive to our heritage and not buinessmen out for a fast buck.
Tony Gatt
Apr 28th 2010, 14:51
Suggestion: The picture of the crumbling fort should be used for the new symbol of MEPA. Isn't THAT what the institution has come to represent???!!!
Lawrence Fenech
Apr 28th 2010, 14:49
Send the workers to Valletta entrance so they can restore it when they are finished with Fort St. Angelo. Thanks.
Jim Hamilton
Apr 28th 2010, 14:45
What is being discussed here?.......Forts St Angelo or St Elmo.
What I fail to understand is why the much needed restoration work which is required on both these fortifications has to be approved by MEPA....... Surely this should fall under the remit of Heritage Malta?
Everyone knows that the forts have been neglected for too long and it's obvious that it will take more than initial restoration to solve the problems.
I appeal to all the relevant authorities to start getting their act together, do not ignore this problem, sit down and discuss, but above all give us some concrete proposals on the best way of preserving our heritage.
This has to be done sooner rather than later.
lgalea
Apr 28th 2010, 14:03
Why should the Government have to have permission from MEPA to restore National Heritage? Still going to have talks about it? No wonder our national heritage is in such a disaster.
John Ebejer
Apr 28th 2010, 13:53
The fort should first be restored to its former glory - if it ever had one. After that, besides acting as a major centre for culture and the dissemination of the history of the country, the forst should serve as a residence of some sort. On the lines of the Tower of London, where the families of yeomen reside. Or better, it can serve as a centre for mediterranean history, a conference centre for the government and for private enterprises. There is so much that can be done to it, for it, in it, through it.