Transforming Fort St Elmo in Valletta into a major tourist attraction complete with accommodation and catering facilities within the dilapidated space are just a few of the recommendations proposed in a fresh draft development brief.
The planning authority has launched a 6-six week public consultation following a review it carried out on the 1997 draft development brief for the rehabilitation of Fort St Elmo and its environs.The reviewed brief takes into account the new government policy initiatives for the urban regeneration of Valletta and will serve as a proposed framework for future rehabilitation plans.
With its panoramic views, the plans are to restore the fort and rehabilitate it as a major tourist and local visitor venue that could incorporate a number of cultural attractions and office space.The brief acknowledges that upgrading the surrounding public spaces is of paramount importance and will be beneficial in terms of employment and revenue generation in the area.
Fort St Elmo is one of the most significant historic landmarks in Malta, occupying a strategic position at the tip of the Sceberras peninsula upon which the Order of St John founded the city of Valletta. The original fort was constructed by the Knights in the mid-16th century and played an important role not only during the Great Siege of 1565 but even during World War II. In 1977 the fort was used as a film location for the Turkish jail in the Oscar-winning film Midnight Express directed by Alan Parker.
The reviewed brief sets out the various parameters and environmentally compatible strategies that aim to utilise the potential of the area without compromising its unique historical value. It also considers various aspects of the rehabilitation process within the context of the Grand Harbour area, including historic conservation and design issues, transportation, services and infrastructure.
The area covered by the brief has an approximate footprint of 9.25 hectares and includes the original fort and the later additions at the Carafa esplanade, the extended outworks along the bastions, the ditch and granaries in front of the fort, the Evans building, the Examination Centre and the foreshore.
At present, a large part of the site and its residential neighbourhood is in a state of neglect with few venturing towards this lower end of Valletta.The rehabilitation project proposes the restoration and re-use of the existing structures as a museum and related facilities such as souvenir shops, restaurants and tea rooms. The possibility of locating an audiovisual facility within the barracks is also indicated. The piazza, on the other hand, would be ideal for outdoor activities in summer.
During this second phase of public consultation, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority is encouraging interested parties and the public to view the revisions and submit any comments and feedback.Submissions are to be sent to by not later than March 21, to: Director of Planning, Fort St Elmo and Environs Development Brief, Malta Environment and Planning Authority, PO Box 200, Marsa, MRS 1000, or via e-mail at fortstelmo@mepa.org.mt. The revisions and brief can be viewed on http://www.mepa.org.mt/LPDocumentDetails?syskey=%201325
Recommendations for St Elmo’s regeneration
The reconstruction of the old lighthouse on the Cavalier that may serve as a viewing platform for visitors and a landmark beacon within the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett region.
The restoration of the chapel near the Porta del Soccorso and St Anne’s church.
The restoration and rehabilitation of the imposing three-storey Pinto stores with later British additions for commercial uses including tourist accommodation, food and beverage outlets, retail outlets and office accommodation.
The development of a heritage route along the outer bastions with appropriate paving and landscaping starting from The Malta Experience building all along the outer side of the fort and the Carafa bastions, behind the Pinto magazines and ending near the Drill Hall, where the War Museum stands.
The possibility of expanding the War Museum, using existing historic structures along the enceinte, which are to be duly restored for this purpose or other cultural uses.
The reinstatement of the Knights’ botanical gardens in the land front ditch, which serviced the medical school of the Order within the framework of a comprehensive landscaping scheme.
Detailed architectural studies that should lead to a decision on the retention or otherwise of the Evans Building and the potential for underground car parking on the site. The brief recommends the exploration of reusing Evans Building as a residential, office and/or tourist accommodation complex.
The use of the granaries in front of the fort as an alternative entrance, providing visitors a full appreciation of the land front fortifications.
Pedestrianising certain areas such as part of the main road leading to Triq il-Mediterran.