First issued: 8th August 2014
Dear Members,
It is now 8 weeks since the newly restored and refurbished Main Guard offices of the Trust have reopened to the public and the membership. The Board has many exiting plans for the future of the Trust and we would like all of you who are able and willing, to take part.
Many of you have expressed willingness to volunteer for GHT activities and this is precisely what we have in mind. To start with we would like to form a register of interested members. On this register we would place your name and contact details and more importantly what areas of interest, skill or even expertise you may have. We would also like to know what areas of activity you would like get involved in. When we have a significant number to get started then we would like to invite potential volunteers to a meeting at the Main Guard to for organised groups and may be discuss possible projects to get started with.
I as Chairman am confident that there are many interested individuals in Gibraltar who would like to give some of their spare time to help protect and enhance our heritage. I will also advertise to non members to also join us as future members and volunteers.
Together we can all make a difference.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dr Keith Farrell,
Chairman.
It is now 8 weeks since the newly restored and refurbished Main Guard offices of the Trust have reopened to the public and the membership. The Board has many exiting plans for the future of the Trust and we would like all of you who are able and willing, to take part.
Many of you have expressed willingness to volunteer for GHT activities and this is precisely what we have in mind. To start with we would like to form a register of interested members. On this register we would place your name and contact details and more importantly what areas of interest, skill or even expertise you may have. We would also like to know what areas of activity you would like get involved in. When we have a significant number to get started then we would like to invite potential volunteers to a meeting at the Main Guard to for organised groups and may be discuss possible projects to get started with.
I as Chairman am confident that there are many interested individuals in Gibraltar who would like to give some of their spare time to help protect and enhance our heritage. I will also advertise to non members to also join us as future members and volunteers.
Together we can all make a difference.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dr Keith Farrell,
Chairman.
GIBRALTAR PARLIAMENT LIFT
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| Artists impression of lift as presented to the DPC meeting |
Those of you that follow the local media will have seen the Trust issue a statement on its view on the proposed lift for Parliament. As a Gibraltar Government project the application is tabled at the Development and Planning Commission for guidance and comment rather than permission as with all other private building applications.
This is the press release as issued by the Trust on 29th July 2014:
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED:
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust is concerned at the current proposal to install a lift to the Parliament Building. The Trust acknowledges that it is important for there to be access for disabled persons to this public building, however, is of the view that this can be achieved without affecting the external appearance of this building.
The Parliament Building is listed under Schedule B of the 1989 Gibraltar Heritage Trust Act and as such has been identified as a building of historical significance to Gibraltar and its people. It should therefore be noted that as well as planning permission a Heritage License is also required to be issued as per the requirements of the Act.
The installation of a lift as proposed, that is an addition to the exterior of the building, will affect the symmetry of this important building and also the setting of the John Mackintosh Square itself and the Trust would not recommend approval. The Trust would go further and take the view that the installation of a lift as proposed would impair the integrity and character of the building and would therefore not be allowed under Section 49(a) of the Heritage Trust Act.
The Trust would recommend that Government take a longer view to the development of the Parliament building and look at recovering the ground floor of this civic building for Parliamentary interests. In the short term, consideration of the installation of a chair lift on the interior staircase should be looked at so that disabled access to the public gallery can be achieved.
CONCERN AT LOSS OF HISTORICAL COLONIAL PROPERTIES
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| Image: Lind House in 2010, prior to its total demolition |
Copy of press release issued 29th July 2014
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust is concerned at the number of ex MoD quarters in the South District which are being bought by millionaires from abroad and are either demolishing the existing building with a view of building a modern mansion, or are building an extension which, when completed, simply destroys the original character of the property.
Examples of these are The New Aloes and Mount Barbary, both were demolished and there are now two massive modern buildings currently sitting empty. Lind House which was demolished several years ago and holds planning permission to build a modern mansion. Beaulieu House which has been partially demolished and has planning permission to build a modern extension that will dwarf the original building. There is currently a planning application to build a massive extension at Naval Hospital Hill.
The Trust understands that it is very much in Gibraltar's interest to attract wealthy individuals but there has to be a balance. There are several developments which have gone ahead for the benefit of these individuals, the Maida Vale project, Buena Vista, The Island to name a few. The South District was until recently mainly MoD land, the MoD built married quarters within the South District for its officers and SNCOs, they were thus modest buildings and this is what gives this area it's character.
The Trust will be using its representation and vote at the DPC to attempt to influence its decisions, it will do everything within its power to ensure that the uniqueness of Gibraltar is preserved as much as possible.
The above release of 29th July 2014 was extensively covered in local press and included a statement from the Government clarifying timescales of the demolitions of these buildings. The reports can be read here:
http://www.panorama.gi/ article entitled: Demolition of exMOD housing 'has nothing to do with this Government'
GBC covered the story: http://www.gbc.gi/news/4125/heritage-trust-'concern'-at-colonial-house-demolitions
As did YGTV: http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/politics/7225-aug-05-government-sets-record-straight-over-demolition-of-colonial-houses
The Trust has now responded and clarified its concerns in a release issued on the 8th August 2014 which reads as follows:
"The Gibraltar Heritage Trust thanks the Government for its response to our concerns about the past demolition of ex MOD married quarters. Our original press release did not, at any point, make any reference to the present administration or point any finger of blame. We were expressing our concern about the gradual trend in the last 10 years of the loss of these houses and their replacement by millionaire mansions.
It is indeed correct that the properties referred to in our press release suffered demolition under the previous administration and we regret that whole heartedly. The process by which the whole story of a property going from successful original tender to resale, gradual deterioration, neglect, speculation and eventual demolition and replacement by a modern mansion, happens under the noses of the Government of the day, the Opposition of the day and various other government departments and agencies.
There is, therefore, a collective responsibility which must be shared by all those in authority for the demise of such buildings. The Trust, as custodians of Gibraltar's Heritage, is very aware of the general public's feelings about these iconic buildings. Whilst during this administration's term of office we have not, as yet, had a full demolition of an exMOD married quarter, we remain vigilant and concerned that events such as the approval of the demolition of the Risso Bakery at the DPC, will result in the setting of a precedent that will be hard to stop. The DPC is, of course, not the Government but despite the very great improvements seen under the present administration by opening up the meetings to the public, the Trust still has serious concerns about heritage conservation"
http://www.panorama.gi/ article entitled: Demolition of exMOD housing 'has nothing to do with this Government'
GBC covered the story: http://www.gbc.gi/news/4125/heritage-trust-'concern'-at-colonial-house-demolitions
As did YGTV: http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/politics/7225-aug-05-government-sets-record-straight-over-demolition-of-colonial-houses
The Trust has now responded and clarified its concerns in a release issued on the 8th August 2014 which reads as follows:
"The Gibraltar Heritage Trust thanks the Government for its response to our concerns about the past demolition of ex MOD married quarters. Our original press release did not, at any point, make any reference to the present administration or point any finger of blame. We were expressing our concern about the gradual trend in the last 10 years of the loss of these houses and their replacement by millionaire mansions.
It is indeed correct that the properties referred to in our press release suffered demolition under the previous administration and we regret that whole heartedly. The process by which the whole story of a property going from successful original tender to resale, gradual deterioration, neglect, speculation and eventual demolition and replacement by a modern mansion, happens under the noses of the Government of the day, the Opposition of the day and various other government departments and agencies.
There is, therefore, a collective responsibility which must be shared by all those in authority for the demise of such buildings. The Trust, as custodians of Gibraltar's Heritage, is very aware of the general public's feelings about these iconic buildings. Whilst during this administration's term of office we have not, as yet, had a full demolition of an exMOD married quarter, we remain vigilant and concerned that events such as the approval of the demolition of the Risso Bakery at the DPC, will result in the setting of a precedent that will be hard to stop. The DPC is, of course, not the Government but despite the very great improvements seen under the present administration by opening up the meetings to the public, the Trust still has serious concerns about heritage conservation"
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY AND THE CROSS OF SACRIFICE
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See below copy of letter sent by the Trust Chairman to the Gibraltar Chronicle. Story was run by the Chronicle on Friday 1st August 2014.On the 28th of July this year we started the commemoration of the centenary of the start of the Great War(WW1). Many of us have lost ancestors in this terrible conflict, but even those that haven't feel a deep sense of respect for all those millions of lives lost and ruined by this tragic war.
On the Sunday closest to the 11th November(Armistice Day) Gibraltar too pays its respect to the fallen not only of this war but of subsequent conflicts. Traditionally Remembrance Sunday was observed at the Cross of Sacrifice at North Front. This granite cross and sword and its surrounding plaques bears witness to that great sacrifice. Similar monuments to the dead of the Great War and WW2 are scattered throughout the UK and the world, most having been erected in the early 1920s for this purpose.
In recent years the tradition of this commemoration has moved from the Cross of Sacrifice to the Gibraltar War Memorial on Line Wall Road.
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust believes that this ceremony should be returned to its original site. The reason for the original move was due to the infrastructural works on Devil's Tower Road. However, why has this commemoration not returned to the Cross of Sacrifice? Following enquiries the Trust understands that the Royal Gibraltar Police feels that the Cross of Sacrifice presents a logistical nightmare. The RGP feels that the security concerns, traffic management issues and the inconvenience caused to those that live in the area is too great problem to solve.
The Trust has consulted with the the Chief Minister, H.E. the Governor and representatives of the MOD. All would like to see Remembrance Sunday at the Cross Of Sacrifice despite some issues about security. The Gibraltar Tourist Board tells us that in November the average number of coaches on a Sunday is 4. The commercial side of the frontier would also be closed. This implies that at that time of the day on that day of the year vehicular traffic would be low.
The Trust hopes that by bringing this subject to public awareness the authorities will see a way round to bringing back Remembrance Sunday to its rightful home. A little logistical discomfort seems a small price to pay compared to the sacrifice of the lives lost during the Great War.
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