Fort Binġemma transferred to Xjenza Malta

The Government of Malta has announced the transfer of Fort Binġemma to Xjenza Malta for the creation of Space Park Malta, a new national centre dedicated to science, education, and innovation.

The initiative, revealed during an event at Villa Bighi, will see the historic fort repurposed from a closed military site into a hub intended to foster research, public engagement, and new economic opportunities in the space and science sectors.

Silvio Scerri, Chief Executive of Xjenza Malta, underlined the importance of the initiative, describing it as part of Malta Vision 2050, the country’s long-term strategy for resilience and competitiveness in emerging sectors. “This project represents a clear choice that our heritage should serve the public good, rather than remain idle or forgotten,” he said.

Plans for Space Park Malta include the establishment of an Earth Observation Centre, which will employ satellite data for maritime security, environmental monitoring, and land-use management. The park will also feature both a Research Observatory and a public observatory, aimed at making astronomy accessible to students and families.

The development will host Esplora Space, which is set to include exhibitions, school programmes, and outreach initiatives. Additional facilities will comprise a public library, media creation labs, collaborative spaces, and dedicated zones for start-ups in the space sector, with the intention of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.