Works at Fort St Elmo aimed at transforming the historical gem into an outstanding tourist attraction are well underway.

The €15.5 million project, being implemented by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation in collaboration with Heritage Malta, is being funded (85 per cent) by the European Regional Development Fund.

What is commonly referred to as Fort St Elmo actually consists of the fort, Carafa Enceinte (the outer parts of the fort) and Lower St Elmo (where parts of the 1978 film Midnight Express were filmed).

The project incorporates Fort St Elmo and Carafa Enceinte.

The fort, which was in an extreme state of deterioration, will include a military history museum and a Valletta people’s museum.

The military history museum, which will be an extension of the current war museum, will span from prehistory to present times and will be located in various buildings throughout the fort.  It will also comprise a research centre and office and conference facilities.

The Valletta people’s museum will focus on the sociological aspect of the city and will be located in Vendome Bastion.

These two museums will fall under the auspices of Heritage Malta.

A third attraction, termed “Rampart’s Walk”, will be free of charge. This will be a walk along the Enceinte and feature an interpretation of historic structures and spectacular views of both harbours.

The fort will be dotted by a number of barcodes which people may scan with their smartphones or tablets to obtain instant information on the particular site or historical feature.

Culture Minister Mario de Marco said that while preserving the country's cultural heritage, the project will also improve Malta's tourism product.

The forts ample spaces may also be used for outdoor exhibitions, performances and re-enactments.

The rehabilitation works are currently generating many jobs and, once completed, will provide jobs for 28 people, the minister said.

“A gem like Fort St Elmo will attract tourists all year round. While the upper part of Valletta is undergoing various rehabilitation works such as the City Gate project, the new parliament and the open-air theatre, Fort St Elmo will also serve to attract people towards the lower end of Valletta.

“Fort St Elmo incorporates our history, identity, culture and employment.”

The project is expected to be completed by September 2014.