SPECIAL OPENING OF FORT BENGĦISA MARKS NEW CHAPTER FOR COMMUNITY HERITAGE

Heritage Malta has formally signed collaboration agreements with the The Scout Association of Malta and Għaqda Storja Birżebbuġa, establishing a long-term framework for the management, conservation and community use of Fort Bengħisa.

The agreements mark the beginning of Heritage Malta’s vision to gradually transform the historic site into an accessible cultural heritage space for the public, while discussions are also underway for a separate collaboration agreement with the Birżebbuġa Local Council.

Speaking at a special public opening of the fort on Saturday, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici described the initiative as an important step in giving the site “new life” through active educational, cultural and community participation. Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit said the agency had fulfilled its promise to begin creating a strong, community-based management plan for the fort.

Under the agreements, the Scouts will make use of dedicated spaces for events and camping activities while contributing to site maintenance through regular involvement. Meanwhile, Għaqda Storja Birżebbuġa will strengthen historical research and interpretation efforts.

Visitors attending Saturday’s opening were also shown artistic visualisations of the project’s future development.

Built between 1900 and 1902, Fort Bengħisa is Malta’s final Victorian-style fortification and its largest of its kind, spanning around 45,000 square metres. Heritage Malta’s long-term plans include opening it as a pet-friendly public heritage space that blends history, outdoor recreation and education.

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