Feb 25 - GSD Questions Government’s Decision to House GIB in Cultural Complex
The GSD Opposition notes with regret that part of a prime cultural site at the Ince's Hall complex is to be used to house the new Gibraltar International Bank. The Opposition believes that this area should have been enhanced and developed exclusively for cultural purposes. The party insists that had they been elected, they would have committed themselves to the development of the complex, which together with the John Mackintosh Hall, would have been refurbished holistically as a single site for cultural activities.
A statement on the matter noted, ‘the 2011 GSLP-Liberal Manifesto provided that Ince's Hall would be completely refurbished and the patio would be enclosed in a modern way to allow its use even in winter. It now begs the question as to how this Manifesto commitment will be fulfilled given that a significant part of the Ince’s Hall complex will soon house a bank. Furthermore, existing cultural activities and groups, which until now have been housed within the Ince’s Hall complex, have been informed that they are to be relocated away from the site. ‘
Opposition Spokesman for Culture, Edwin Reyes raised the question, ‘what consultation has taken place with those involved in the cultural world before a final decision was taken to house the Gibraltar International Bank adjacent to Ince’s Hall? Furthermore, culture lovers are entitled to know where the already existing facilities and groups who use this location will now be housed?’
‘The Opposition calls upon the Minister for Culture to explain why the Ince’s Hall complex, is being denuded of this important and much needed facility.
