Sliema’s Fortizza to undergo €1 million restoration

The Sliema Point Battery, known as il-Fortizza, will undergo an €800,000 to €1 million restoration.

The news was revealed in Trident Estates plc’s annual financial report.

The report notes that the lease agreement relating to Il-Fortizza on Tower Road in Sliema, covering both the lower ground and ground floor levels, reached its contractual expiry in September 2024. The lease of the lower ground floor had been extended to March 2025, while the lease of the ground floor has been extended to September 2026, it added.

“A major restoration project on the building fabric is expected to commence shortly, reflecting the group’s commitment to preserving the heritage value of this landmark site while upgrading the premises for wider public enjoyment.”

Following completion of the restoration works, the group intends to remarket the property “in line with its long term vision for the site”, with the aim of repositioning the Sliema Fort Point Battery as a distinctive and attractive heritage destination, Trident Estates said.

These restoration works estimated between €800,000 and €1 million “will commence in the next financial year.”

The Sliema Point Battery was built between 1872 and 1876 by the British as part of improvements to Malta’s fortifications.