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.