HERITAGE NEWS 018

First issued: 21st March 2014

Europa Stadium

On the 6^th March the Trust issued a press statement on our position on the stadium proposed for Europa Point. There has been much debate in the media over the pros and cons of such a development at the earmarked location. The Development and Planning Commission will be meeting on the 8^th April to consider the application for outline planning permission. You can catch up on last night’s GBC Viewpoint programme on the Stadium project through the GBC’s watch again link here: http://www.gbc.gi/television/tv-player.php?programme=216&episode=6627

This is the press release as issued by the Trust:

Gibraltar Heritage Trust's response to the proposed GFA Stadium at Europa Point.

Although it has only been recently that the details of the proposed GFA stadium at Europa Point have been released, the Trust has been following this issue closely and with a certain degree of apprehension. The impact on the surrounding heritage sites could not be assessed until the plan was fully laid out. This has now happened. There appears that there will be minimal loss to the visible heritage above ground, although we do not know as yet what lies beneath the surface in the form of galleries, mines, or natural caves. The enhancement of the walls will be very welcome. The early retirement of the Europa Lighthouse, however is a particular concern as its loss as a functioning icon will be very sadly missed even if the fate of the building at this point is unsure.

The Trust has had to keep in mind its specific remit to preserve Gibraltar's heritage and not express personal rather than professional opinions.

There is no doubt that the new stadium will be a massive structure that will overpower the natural heritage of the area.

During the early development of the concept of the location of the stadium to Europa, the Trust asked its membership for feedback regarding this and although there was a limited response the majority were against the Europa site. The Trust also approached other NGOs with a presumed interest in the issue when the location was first announced.

Finally the Trust must express its concern about the process by which the decisions on the location of the stadium have been made. Even though there is evidently a need for a new or upgraded stadium the Trust feels that the decision process has not had sufficient public involvement and that although the project still has to go to DPC the momentum of the project and the PR that has preceded the project will make the result of the DPC a forgone conclusion no matter what the feelings are of the general public that is only now starting to express its concerns and opinions. The fact that the architectural design never went to competition is also a concern.

At the last board meeting the Trust unanimously agreed that Europa point is the wrong location and that the GFA should seriously reconsider an alternative site.

The Trust would therefore encourage the general public not only to examine the exhibit but to make their feelings heard if indeed they too have objections to the siting of the stadium at Europa. The DPC will only then be able to represent the wishes of people in reaching a decision.

Natural Heritage Project

Trustee Alan Brownbridge oversees the planting

Volunteers head onto the slopes

 On Saturday 1st March the Gibraltar Heritage Trust kick-started our latest project which will see some 400 trees being planted in the area of Poca Roca (opposite Governor’s Lookout). The aim of the project, co-ordinated by the Trust, is two-fold as it also aims to promote Gibraltar’s natural heritage amongst the youth.

It was felt that the organizations involved represent a cross section of young people on the Rock. The Upper Rock is a greenspace we might often take for granted, but the need for its maintenance and promotions of biodiversity within it is an important element of our heritage. Greenarc ltd has grown some 400 oak saplings from seed and Trustee Alan Brownbridge felt it would be a good project to involve our youth in the project to plant them. GONHS and the Dept of Environment have all been involved in the planning stages in terms of finding best location to plant and Keith Bensusan was present on Sat morning to give the participants from the Youth Club some background into the significance of what they were helping to do. A group of Sea Scouts also helped out. Some 60 saplings were planted by the end of the session. Due to the relatively late rains this year which will affect the survival chances of the sapling, the aim is to build on this with further planting in the autumn.                       

Why Join the Trust?

We have been running a series of news items in the Gibraltar Chronicle aimed at raising awareness on the work of the Trustees on the Board of the Trust and why each personally feels it is important to belong to our organisation. We will reproduce the series as part of our e-newsletters, and would like to invite you to also send in your comments on why you feel it is important to support the work of the Trust with the aim of publishing them in the future.

This week it is the turn of Pete Jackson MBE, a member of the Board since 2009:

“A sense of belonging and the reasons for our existence! Our heritage plays a key part in forming our identity. It is human nature to seek information and to validate why we are who we are.

My interest in our heritage has long kept me busy researching the cause and effect of conflict. Having served in the military for over thirty years I find an inner beauty in the structure of these well considered defences, so crucial has Gibraltar proved to be over the centuries. These hidden military gems which we take for granted or simply pass without noticing, are present throughout our daily lives.

Such a small place on the scale of it but of proven military importance. Pivotal through 1700’s 1800’s and indeed the mid 1900’s Gibraltar is festooned with the evidence of its former defences. Barely a corner exists which does not allow for a Caponier, a Pill Box or other defensive structure.

Our beloved Rock is still revealing its inner secrets from days long gone and it is these unique ancestral vestiges that we must respect and cherish. For this reason I value my place on the Board of Trustees as I see it as a chance to ensure we keep our military history for the future generations to understand and appreciate.

Without the sacrifices of our forefathers Gibraltar may have been an entirely different place.”

February Member Outing

On Saturday 22nd February members of the Trust visited the The Dockyard Tower, current home of HQBF. The tour was led by Major David Seed and Ms Jane Payas, PA to Commodore Klink (CBF). The tour started with an interesting audio visual presentation by David covering the history of the Dockyard and its heritage and strategic importance. The role played by the Dockyard throughout the years was very ably presented and illustrated with some rare photographs and plans of the facilities.

After this, those attending were split into two groups. One group went up to the top of the Tower whilst the other half visited CBF's office (previously the offices of the Flag Officer, Gibraltar). The views from the Tower are breathtaking and it was a wonderful opportunity to take some great photographs. The groups were then swapped round to allow the others to go up the Tower.

An interesting collection of original plans of the Dockyard and photographs were available for viewing in CBF's office. This, together with other memorabilia, made the visit a very worthwhile morning's outing thoroughly enjoyed by all.

On behalf of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, I would like to thank David Seed and Jane Payas for hosting a fascinating visit to a site that is rarely accessible to the public.

HERITAGE NEWS 017

First issued: 6th March 2014

Updates

It’s been some time since our last e-newsletter. There is quite a lot to update you on so we will do this over the next couple of weeks.

Risso Bakery Update

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust regrets to announce that it has been unable to alter the outcome following the decision by the Development and Planning Commission at the December 2013 to permit the demolition of the Old Risso Bakery to make way for the construction of a modern hotel on the site.

Following that DPC meeting in which the decision to proceed with the hotel construction and the demolition of the bakery was passed by a majority of 4 to 3, the GHT appealed  to the developers to reconsider and at least to save the facade of the building to maintain the street scape of Engineer's Lane. Apart from the written appeal, the Trust brought the topic to the public domain by media coverage, including social media, and a public petition. A total of about 714 signatures were obtained to stop complete demolition of the building and to keep the facade. The campaign was halted in late January in the hope that there might have been room for further negotiation at official level to make some late alterations to the project, but unfortunately this has come to nothing.

At a meeting with the developer on the 17th February, the Trust was informed that viability of the project was dependent on the plans as presented to the DPC and that the very significant extra cost of keeping the facade would not be entertained by the developer.

The GHT will be unable to pursue this protest any further and has to accept the loss of this iconic building.

Despite this unwanted outcome, the Government has recognised the need to avoid this type heritage loss in the old town and has put together a committee to examine not only the many  other properties which are at risk of a similar fate, but to also look at the wider issues that impact negatively on the preservation of the old town. The Trust is committed to contributing to its full potential towards this committee but realises that successful action will only come about with the vocal support of the general public. With this in mind, we would like to encourage the general public to use it to voice their concerns on heritage issues either by bringing their concerns to the Trust or through wider public participation forums such as the DPC.

In the meantime, if any member has any historical photographs or interesting annecdotes of the Risso Bakery, please could you send us a copy via email or post?

Heritage on the Social Network

If you are active on Social Media Networks you may have noticed the increase in activity in these areas of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. The Trust now has a Facebook page, and is active on Twitter and Instagram as @GibHeritage. The aim of the accounts is not to debate issues, but rather to raise awareness about and celebrate aspects of Gibraltar’s unique heritage. Why don’t you look us up?

Why Join the Trust?

We have been running a series of news items in the Gibraltar Chronicle aimed at raising awareness on the work of the Trustees on the Board of the Trust and why each personally feels it is important to belong to our organisation. We will reproduce the series as part of our e-newsletters, and would like to invite you to also send in your comments on why you feel it is important to support the work of the Trust with the aim of publishing them in the future.

We start with our current longest serving Board Member, Manolo Galliano:

“I have been a Trustee of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust since November 2006 and have found my time in it as edifying, educational and interesting, although on many occasions, it has also been frustrating. I say this because there appears to be a profound apathy from the wider general public on what constitutes our heritage and how it should be protected, coupled with the constant pressure from developers in continuing to want to alter Gibraltar's special charm by the unsympathetic construction of out-of-character developments, which jar completely with other adjoining buildings or streetscapes, especially in the city centre.

Heritage, and with this I mean our heritage and that which we will leave for our children to inherit, is not only made up of worthy historical buildings, fortifications or archaeological sites, nor is it just our incomparable flora, fauna, geology and landscape of our beloved Rock. It is all this and more, it is our memories and aspirations as communities of peoples of different nations that have inhabited this homeland for hundreds of years, even millennia, if we are also to include our more distant forbearers. Our political and economic well-being is of utmost importance, but we must not forget to protect that which makes Gibraltar such a unique place. And remember- that which is lost, is lost forever!”

January Member Outing

The latest outing for GHT members held in January was a visit to the Gibraltar Museum where we were treated to an up close tour of the museum installations. Clive and Geraldine Finlayson, and Darren Fa, took the group on an extensive tour of the museum displays explaining in detail the stories behind the objects and their place in Gibraltar’s timeline. Having been curator at the Museum for over 20 years, Prof Finlayson was able to give the personal touch to the concept for the displays, and recent projects that had been undertaken by the Museum team. This included a comprehensive explanation of the Gorham’s Cave project and the importance of its recognition as a World Heritage Site. The tour lasted just over 2 hours with many taking the opportunity to ask questions and satisfy their curiosity on many aspects of Gibraltar’s history. Our thanks as always to the Museum team for what was an enjoyable and fascinating morning.