Following years of exhaustive assessment of buildings of immense historical value and extensive discussions under three government administrations, restoration works on Fort Manoel, a local heritage treasure on Manoel Island, took off in August 2001. This extensive project falls under the umbrella of the massive €450 million Manoel Island and Tigné Point Development project embarked upon by the MIDI Consortium, which was launched in December 2000.

Fort Manoel was built by the Knights to protect Valletta's north-facing bastions from artillery action from the Isolotto in Marsamxetto Harbour. The first stone was laid in 1723, under the patronage of Portuguese Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena with the supervision of world famous engineer Mondion. Although the fort's defining characteristics survived the ravages of time, it suffered ample vandalism and changes were effected to meet the exigencies of military strategies. It also endured numerous attacks during World War II.

The restoration works on Fort Manoel are undertaken by aoM Partnership, a firm of architects, civil and structural engineers, entrusted with the lead consultancy of the entire MIDI project. The partnership, led by Maltese architect, Professor Alex Torpiano, consists of the amalgamation of the resources of TBA Periti and Architecture Project.

The first phase of the fort's restoration, aimed to prevent further deterioration of its buildings, is nearly two-thirds complete and is only one of the various complex stages in a painstaking process of rehabilitation. The remaining phases of the renovation of the fort and its surrounding areas, is estimated to cost around Lm2.5 million and all works will be completed by 2012.

These will include the Lazzaretto Block, formerly used as an isolation hospital: quarantine cattle sheds, a 1920 building referred to as "the canteen building", which served as a social center for the British navy crew, and Fort Manoel itself. MIDI has also carried out preservation works on Tigné Point - St Luke's Garrison Church, the barracks and is currently also restoring Fort Tigné.

A rectified photographic record of all the buildings within the fort was completed. This was followed by a mapping process - all damage, its nature and causes were meticulously mapped on each and every stone to ensure what interventions were to be required.

Although it is still early to talk about the possible uses of Fort Manoel, MIDI plans to open parts of the fort to the public. It is being envisaged as a boutique hotel. Discussions are also underway to open a museum which would display the painstaking restoration works of the fort.

Commenting on the consortium's commitment to restoring various historical sites within the project's boundary, MIDI Chief Executive Mr Ben Muscat said: "An array of specialist studies were commissioned and carried out by MIDI Consortium. Additional consultations were held with the Heritage Advisory Committee, Local Councils, and Heritage Societies. Our final aim is to complete a project consisting of both commercial and residential units of the highest international standards while restoring sites of historical importance to their pristine glory."