Fort St Elmo
Proposal by Independent Social Movement ResidentiBeltin – 07/05/2020 © (Digital & Published Rights)
𝟎𝟏) We want transparency regarding all historical heritage within Valletta.
𝟎𝟐) The privatisation of this historical heritage should be avoided, as happened with Fort Chambray, the Maċina, Fort Manoel, and unfortunately Evans Building and the old Fish Market, which were most likely planned for privatisation instead of community purposes or government use, etc. Historical heritage should never have been transferred to the private sector.
𝟎𝟑) The entire Fort should immediately come under a restoration plan to avoid danger and structural deterioration. The Carnival enthusiasts based in Valletta should be called so that a conclusive agreement is reached once and for all, since the Carnival Village is still not ready. We sincerely hope it can remain for Carnival purposes and perhaps for workshops for communities related to feasts.
𝟎𝟒) If the Carnival enthusiasts express a genuine wish for the Carnival Village outside Valletta, in that case the Fort's storerooms (around 20) could be rented as sections for alternative spaces: a sports section where in the Fort's open area they would have enough space for Tournaments and expand to ticketed competitions and fund raisers; a business centre section for those who for years were synonymous with providing a service but ended up losing their properties due to extreme commercialism and privatisation in the upper part of Valletta. On Sundays, the tal-Monti market stallholders could also be invited/accommodated during certain periods of their choice. It could become synonymous with Due Balli where the Fort could accommodate Balls as we saw in the past; especially if, for example, the 'Premier' cafe or other well-known establishments of the past attract an investor planning to revive them. A space could be created within one of the storerooms as a GYM run by VFC (Valletta Football Club) together with the opportunity for an official VFC merchandise shop.
𝟎𝟓) On the roof, a garden could be created that would be a tourist attraction for families and provide a green lung for the locality. There could be a secondary garden where the fountain is located, and in it a monument dedicated to the beloved Pawlu Curmi and his fellow carnival enthusiasts could be placed.
𝟎𝟔) In the Fort's open area, sections could be reserved for community events accommodating live pageants, outdoor cinema, or seasonal shows (for example tied to Easter, Christmas, Good Friday, Notte Bianca, etc.), together with an honours hall "Valletta Icons" honouring Valletta. As a concept, not only would honours and awards be given on site, but a digital exhibition of successes would be created and immortalised to inspire future generations.
𝟎𝟕) All revenue generated from other events goes to the State or the Local Council, thereby introducing a concept of Government with 'Sustainable Heritage' patrimony.
*Every proposal will be solidified and improved once the Council, under our leadership, convenes public meetings with residents.
