Sliema fortizza restoration and microbrewery approved

Malta's Planning Commission approved planning application PA/02811/25 in July 2025, clearing the way for a microbrewery and heritage restoration at Il-Fortizza in Sliema. The application was filed by Andreas Bollen on behalf of German Kraft, a UK-based craft beer company with taprooms in London at Elephant & Castle and Mayfair. Il-Fortizza, formally known as Point Battery, is a British artillery battery built between 1872 and 1886 and carries Grade 1 scheduled status as a site of high historical and architectural value.

The project centres on restoring the fort's internal and external spaces and reintegrating areas that had fallen out of use. Among the proposed works is the removal of recent structures to recover the original casements that once housed Rifled Muzzle-Loading guns. At basement level, shell stores will be reintegrated, existing openings widened and new openings created.

The existing internal staircase and lift will be removed and replaced with an internal fire escape staircase, alongside a new secondary service staircase. The microbrewery itself will sit under a reversible glazed roof and is classified as ancillary to the catering establishment already operating from the fort. The site had previously been leased to catering establishments over the years.

The Planning Authority's case officer recommended approval. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage initially raised concerns about certain interventions but ultimately raised no objection, describing the proposal as a positive contribution to the "rehabilitation and long-term safeguarding of the scheduled fortification" by removing inappropriate additions and reinstating historic features. The Superintendent of Cultural Heritage will monitor works throughout.

The development permission comes with financial safeguards. A bank guarantee of €5,000 is required to ensure removal of existing illegalities on the site, including low walls and glass railings. A separate €7,000 guarantee must be lodged to ensure all restoration works are carried out in accordance with the approved works method statement.

Conditions attached to the permission also prohibit the construction of steps, ramps or street furniture onto the public pavement or road and bar air conditioning units from being placed on any façade of the building visible from the street or public space.