Qbajjar Battery restoration plan under scrutiny

For decades, heritage conservationists have campaigned tirelessly to save and restore the Qbajjar Battery in Gozo, one of the island’s most significant 18th-century coastal fortifications. However, renewed government action on the site has triggered fresh controversy, as authorities appear to be moving toward commercialising the historic structure instead of dedicating it solely to restoration and cultural preservation.

The government’s decision to open the site for potential commercial use has deeply frustrated conservation groups, particularly the long-standing NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa, which has advocated for years to take over and restore the landmark. The group now fears that Malta may once again sacrifice historical integrity for commercial interests.

Historical background of the Qbajjar Battery

The Qbajjar Battery, located on the picturesque northern coast of Gozo near Marsalforn, is a 300-year-old coastal fortification built during the era of the Knights of St. John. It was originally constructed as part of a network of coastal defenses to safeguard the island from naval attacks. Over the centuries, the structure has suffered from extensive neglect and weathering, leaving much of it in a dilapidated state.

Its unique position overlooking Qbajjar Bay has long made it both a historically valuable monument and a sought-after piece of real estate. Yet despite its importance, the battery has been abandoned for much of the modern era, with repeated promises of restoration that have rarely been fulfilled.

The site’s controversial past and use as a nightclub

From 1978 until 2003, the site was leased to Gozitan businessman George Said, known locally as Id-Diaz, who operated the battery as a nightclub under the name Rook. During this period, the fort was converted into an entertainment venue, a move that drew criticism from heritage advocates who argued that the commercial use of a protected historical site was inappropriate and damaging to its structure.

Said, who also owns La Grotta, another well-known nightclub in Gozo, became synonymous with nightlife development on the island. His ventures have often been scrutinised for regulatory issues, with La Grotta being subject to enforcement actions related to unapproved developments and other planning irregularities in recent years.

Although Said eventually relinquished his claim to the Qbajjar Battery following the expiry of his lease, the site remained neglected. Subsequent administrations failed to secure its restoration, leaving the once-mighty fortification in a state of ruin.

Government reclaims the site but shifts focus to commercial use

In early 2025, optimism briefly resurfaced among heritage campaigners when the government formally retook possession of the Qbajjar Battery. Many believed this was the first step toward finally restoring the site in collaboration with Din L-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ).

However, that optimism has since faded. The Lands Authority, which oversees state-owned property, has informed the NGO that a public call for bids will soon be issued — inviting private entities to submit proposals for the “running and restoration” of the battery.

While the details of the tender have not yet been made public, the NGO fears that the emphasis will be on commercial exploitation rather than authentic preservation. The ambiguity surrounding the project’s terms has fueled concerns that private operators may prioritize profit over heritage conservation.

NGO’s reaction and calls for transparency

Speaking to the press, DLĦ President Patrick Calleja expressed “profound disappointment” at the Lands Authority’s decision. Calleja confirmed that Lands Authority CEO Robert Vella informed the NGO of the forthcoming tender but did not share any details regarding its terms or restrictions.

The lack of transparency has raised alarms among conservationists, who argue that the government’s actions contradict previous commitments to entrust the site’s care to DLĦ under a guardianship agreement.

Such an agreement had been promised twice before — first in 2007 and again in 2021 — yet neither pledge was ever fulfilled. For DLĦ, this represents not just a broken promise but a troubling precedent of government inconsistency in managing cultural heritage.

Concerns about the potential bidders

It remains unclear whether the previous tenants, or individuals linked to them, may seek to re-enter the picture. The possibility that former operators could regain access to the site through the upcoming tender has intensified public concern.

While there is currently no confirmation that any specific parties have shown interest, the potential re-commercialisation of the site raises questions about who would ultimately benefit from the project. Critics argue that private redevelopment — particularly for entertainment or hospitality purposes — would undermine the site’s cultural and historical value.

The role of Żebbuġ Local Council

The Żebbuġ Local Council, which has jurisdiction over the area, has long been an advocate for the battery’s restoration. In previous statements, council representatives emphasized that “the battery must be restored and given back to the people” before further deterioration occurs.

Local officials have consistently expressed frustration at the slow pace of government action. The council has called for a transparent process that prioritizes public heritage over private gain, suggesting that any future use of the site should remain aligned with educational, cultural, or community purposes.

The Lands Authority under scrutiny

The Lands Authority has frequently found itself at the center of controversy regarding the management of public land. Critics have accused the agency of favouring insiders and private interests through opaque decision-making and lack of accountability.

Most recently, the authority faced public backlash after reports revealed it had withheld a valuation report related to a change in the use of a government-owned plot. That report indicated the land was worth significantly more than what Fortina, the private titleholder, had paid. The concealment of such information has further damaged public trust in the authority’s oversight of national assets.

Given this track record, the NGO and local residents are demanding clear safeguards to ensure the Qbajjar Battery tender does not follow a similar pattern of questionable land management.

Heritage versus commercialisation

At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question: should Malta’s historic sites be restored through public and community-driven initiatives, or should they be opened to private investment with the promise of economic activity?

Supporters of commercialisation argue that private funding can provide the necessary resources to restore long-neglected sites, relieving the state of financial burdens. However, opponents warn that such arrangements often compromise heritage integrity, turning cultural monuments into tourist attractions or entertainment venues that disregard historical authenticity.

In the case of the Qbajjar Battery, the fear is that commercial use could once again alter or damage the structure, undermining decades of conservation advocacy.

The call for a sustainable heritage management model

Experts in heritage conservation have long argued that Malta needs a sustainable and transparent model for managing historical properties. Many believe that guardianship agreements — such as those proposed between the government and DLĦ — offer the best balance between preservation and accessibility.

Under such arrangements, NGOs can restore and maintain heritage sites while ensuring public access and cultural education. This approach has been successfully implemented in other locations, where heritage trusts have revitalised abandoned fortifications without resorting to private commercial ventures.

If the Qbajjar Battery were placed under such stewardship, it could serve as both a restored monument and a community hub for cultural and educational activities, preserving its historical legacy while contributing to local tourism in a sustainable way.

Public sentiment and the future of Qbajjar Battery

Public opinion in Gozo and beyond remains divided. While some welcome the prospect of seeing the site finally restored — even through private involvement — others fear that commercial interests may lead to irreversible changes.

The situation has reignited broader discussions about Malta’s national identity, the treatment of its historical assets, and the government’s commitment to transparency in land management.

For now, the fate of the Qbajjar Battery rests in the balance. As the government prepares to issue its tender, conservationists, local residents, and heritage experts continue to call for a solution that prioritizes cultural preservation over profit.

Whether the government will heed those calls remains to be seen — but for those who have fought for decades to protect the site, the latest developments are a disappointing reminder of how fragile Malta’s commitment to its heritage can be.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the Qbajjar Battery underscores a deeper national struggle over how Malta balances cultural preservation with economic opportunity. While the government’s efforts to finally address the site’s decades-long neglect are commendable, the lack of transparency and potential for commercial exploitation raise legitimate concerns about heritage integrity. Conservation groups such as Din L-Art Ħelwa have devoted years to safeguarding this landmark, not for profit, but for public and historical value.

As the government moves forward with its tender process, it faces a defining choice: whether to prioritize short-term commercial interests or to commit to a model that respects Malta’s heritage and ensures the Qbajjar Battery remains a monument of shared national pride. The decision will not only shape the fate of this centuries-old fortification but will also reflect how Malta, as a nation, values its past in the face of modern development pressures.

FAQs

What is the Qbajjar Battery?
The Qbajjar Battery is a 300-year-old coastal fortification in Gozo, built by the Knights of St. John as part of Malta’s defensive network.

Why is the site controversial?
The controversy stems from the government’s decision to issue a tender that could lead to the commercialisation of the site rather than a pure restoration effort.

Who previously operated on the site?
From 1978 to 2003, businessman George Said operated a nightclub called Rook within the battery, a use that conservationists criticised.

What does Din L-Art Ħelwa want to do with the site?
The NGO seeks to restore and manage the Qbajjar Battery through a guardianship agreement focused on cultural and public heritage use.

Has the government previously promised the site to the NGO?
Yes, the government made similar commitments in 2007 and 2021, but neither agreement materialised.

What role does the Lands Authority play?
The Lands Authority manages state property, including historical sites like Qbajjar Battery, and is preparing the tender for its restoration and management.

What is the stance of Żebbuġ Local Council?
The council supports restoration and public access, insisting the fort should be returned “to the people” rather than commercial operators.

Could private developers take over the site again?
It is not confirmed, but concerns exist that former or new private operators might bid for the site once the tender is issued.

Why do conservationists distrust the Lands Authority?
The authority has faced past criticism for lack of transparency and for deals that appeared to benefit private interests over public value.

What could a sustainable solution look like?
A guardianship model allowing a heritage NGO to restore and manage the site transparently, ensuring cultural preservation and community benefit.