The redoubt was built by the British in order to provide cover for retreating British forces in the case of the arrival of a French relief force to break the siege of Malta. Upon the arrival of a relief force, the 30th and 89th Regiments of Foot were to gather at San Rocco Battery and, under the cover of San Rocco Redoubt, retreat to Żabbar. From there, they would retreat to Żejtun, and then to Fort Rohan under the cover of San Lucian redoubt. They would embark on their ships in Marsaxlokk Harbour and evacuate the island.
San Rocco Redoubt, as well as the chapel and building it was built around, have been demolished. The area is now occupied by a technology park named SmartCity.[1]
