Fort Bengħajsa Entrusted To Heritage Malta For Restoration & Public Access

Fort Bengħajsa in Birżebbuġa has been formally entrusted to Heritage Malta, marking an important step in safeguarding the last Victorian fortification built in the Maltese Islands.

The transfer of the land title from the Lands Authority took place during an official ceremony attended by the Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici. This move places the responsibility for the site in the hands of the national heritage agency, which will now assess its structural condition and plan for its sustainable restoration and public accessibility.

Heritage Malta will work closely with the Birżebbuġa Local Council, national organisations such as the Scout Association, and local voluntary groups to support the management and future use of the site.

Minister Bonnici explained that the 40 tumoli fort will be returned to the public after many years of restricted access. He emphasised its historical and cultural importance to both the local community and the country, stressing the need to ensure its proper protection and long term preservation.

He added that the project aims to transform Fort Bengħajsa into a safe and welcoming public space where families, young people and volunteers can gather and enjoy a quality environment. This initiative forms part of a wider vision to safeguard national heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Heritage Malta Chief Executive Officer Noel Zammit welcomed the transfer, noting that it reflects continued trust in the agency to care for Malta’s heritage and to restore access to important historical sites.

Lands Authority Chief Executive Robert Vella described the transfer as a key step in ensuring the site is used appropriately for the benefit of the community. He noted that enforcement action has been taken against illegal occupation, although some court proceedings remain ongoing.

Birżebbuġa Mayor Scott Camilleri described the development as a historic moment for the locality, expressing optimism about the site’s regeneration and renewed public use.

#MaltaDaily