Momentum proposals: Fort Chambray to become Gozo’s new National Park

Momentum has officially added a proposal to its recently published electoral manifesto, bringing the total number of policies up from 259 to 260. The party is pledging to transform the undeveloped and unrestored sections of Fort Chambray into a national park. The decision follows a widely circulated WhatsApp video highlighting the urgent need for a major green space in Gozo, an idea the party immediately recognised as essential.

As the voice for good governance and a just economy, Momentum has always been in favour of giving Fort Chambray back to the people, with the campaign to protect Chambray being one of the very first campaigns after party formation. The party insists that Gozitans are entitled to the same community-focused spaces currently being proposed for Malta at sites like White Rocks, Fort Campbell, and Manoel Island.

Europa Nostra, the prominent heritage organisation, recently stated  “Fort Chambray is a site of high historical and symbolic value, representing a unique layer of Gozo’s military and social history. The 19th-century British Barracks are the only remaining examples of their kind on the island, yet they face imminent demolition to make way for a dense residential development.”

The updated policy focuses on safeguarding the site overlooking ix-Xatt l-Aħmar, with a specific mandate to protect the endangered British barracks. As the only surviving example of British military residential architecture in Gozo, and one of the very first barracks designed as married quarters in the entire Commonwealth, these structures represent an irreplaceable chapter of our collective memory.

Momentum will ensure this historic ensemble offers meaningful opportunities for cultural engagement, education, and sustainable tourism grounded in respect rather than commercial exploitation.

Carmel Asciak, Momentum candidate on the 12th and 13th Districts, emphasised the historical and social importance of this new policy pledge.

“We are completely in favour of returning Fort Chambray to the public,” Asciak stated. “Inheriting heritage may be inevitable, but protecting it is always a choice. While the government looks at creating national parks in Malta, Gozo cannot be left behind. Gozitans deserve the exact same ambition and quality of life. Our latest proposal ensures that the British barracks are saved and the surrounding area is held in trust for the public good.”

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