Is-Sovrintendenza tal-Patrimonju Kulturali Tiffirma Atti ta’ Kurazija ma’ Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna u ma’ Din l-Art Ħelwa
PRESS RELEASE
In a significant step towards safeguarding cultural heritage and strengthening collaboration, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is pleased to announce the signing of several Guardianship Deeds. Over the past weeks, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Din l-Art Ħelwa formally entered into Guardianship Deeds with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage at the Office of the Notary to the Government in Valletta.
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna has renewed its Guardianship Deed for five interconnected heritage sites: the Saluting Battery, Garrison Church Crypt, War HQ Tunnels, Lascaris War Rooms, and the SS. Peter and Paul Counterguard. Together, these sites present a continuous military heritage experience spanning more than 450 years, from the late Renaissance period to the Cold War.
The renewed deed also includes the addition of a Victorian artillery side-arm store at St. Anthony’s Square, formerly the SS. Peter & Paul Left Flanking Battery; the original entrance to the Saluting Battery from Battery Street; and the last remaining above-ground structure associated with the underground British Combined War Headquarters in Lascaris Ditch, dating to the Second World War period. Through this agreement, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna will undertake the restoration, conservation, management, and public accessibility of these sites.
Din l-Art Ħelwa has signed a Guardianship Deed for Qolla l-Bajda Battery in Qbajjar. The agreement provides for the restoration, management, conservation, and public accessibility of the historic Knights-period coastal battery.
The Guardianship Deeds grant both NGOs responsibility for these heritage sites for a period of ten years. Under the agreements, the NGOs will carry out the necessary restoration and conservation works, manage the sites as cultural and educational visitor attractions, and ensure continued public access and enjoyment.
Acting on behalf of the Government of Malta, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is proud to entrust these important heritage sites to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Din l-Art Ħelwa in recognition of their longstanding commitment and contribution to the protection, preservation, and promotion of Malta’s cultural heritage.
Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, Kurt Farrugia, who is empowered to sign on behalf of the Government, said “We are proud to enter into the agreements with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Din l-Art Ħelwa and we look forward to the rejuvenation of these sites under the capable hands of these NGOs. Under the aegis of the Cultural Heritage Act, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage remains committed to the preservation, valorisation and documentation of our cultural heritage and to the transformation of such sites into citizen-led initiatives.”
