Appeals to save a historic British barracks from demolition in Malta have been rejected, sparking outrage among campaigners. The 19th century Chambray Barracks are to be knocked down to make way for a five-star hotel and apartment complex, despite strong resistance from heritage groups.

Malta’s Environment and Planning Review Tribunal on Thursday upheld a decision by the authorities to approve the demolition. The two-storey barracks are part of Fort Chambray which overlooks the main harbour of Gozo — Malta’s sister island. One campaigner said he felt “like crying” after the ruling.

Daniel Cilia, a member of heritage group Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, said he was “devastated” by the outcome.

“I don’t understand how a building like this can be demolished,” he said, according to The Telegraph.

“It is very important for Gozo – the only British barracks on the island. It’s a prime example of the British colonial presence.”

Andre Callus, from civil society group Moviment Graffiti, said he was “angry and shocked”.

Local reports say parts of Chambray Barracks will be incorporated into the hotel development.

The barracks in the Mediterranean were reportedly some of the first married quarters to be built for UK troops and their families anywhere in the British Empire.

It comes amid wider concerns over the rising number of new developments along Malta’s coastlines.

Campaigners’ last remaining chance of stopping the barracks being knocked down is through Malta’s Court of Appeal, The Telegraph reports.

A heritage group earlier this year named Chambray Barracks as one of Europe’s seven most endangered heritage sites.

Malta is a former British colony and gained independence in 1964.

Britain had a long-standing military presence on Malta until 1979 and it played a crucial role in the Second World War, enabling the Allies to disrupt enemy supplies into Libya and support British forces in Egypt.