A partial roof collapse at the historic Qbajjar Battery has triggered renewed calls for urgent restoration works, with tourism stakeholders warning of further deterioration if action is delayed.

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, saw part of the structure’s ceiling cave in, leaving debris scattered across the interior of the site. Images circulating locally show significant damage to the building, raising concerns about both safety and preservation.

In a statement, the Gozo Tourism Association described the collapse as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of heritage sites when maintenance is deferred.

“The Qbajjar Battery is an irreplaceable element of Gozo’s coastal heritage, and every delay in its maintenance increases the risk of further, potentially irreversible damage,” the association said.

The battery dates back to 1715 and was built by the Order of Saint John as part of a network of coastal fortifications across the Maltese Islands. Today, only a handful of such structures remain, including two in Gozo and one in Comino.

The association has called for an immediate structural assessment to determine the extent of the damage, alongside stabilisation works to prevent further collapse.

The incident also brings renewed attention to the long-standing issue of site management. Responsibility for the battery currently falls under the Lands Authority, although plans are underway to transfer guardianship to heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The government announced last month that it intends to hand over the site to the NGO, which would take on restoration and long-term management responsibilities.

The Gozo Tourism Association said finalising this agreement should now be prioritised, arguing that clearer stewardship is essential to safeguarding the island’s historic assets.

The collapse highlights broader concerns about the condition of heritage infrastructure in Malta and Gozo, where a number of sites remain exposed to weathering and structural degradation due to limited maintenance and delayed intervention.

With parts of the structure now compromised, stakeholders are urging swift action to prevent further loss of one of Gozo’s remaining coastal fortifications.