The Gibraltar Heritage Trust is pleased to see the presentation of the green paper for the Gibraltar Heritage Act 2018 to Parliament. This Act has been in the drafting for over 17 years, a time in which the heritage scene in Gibraltar has been through many changes, not all for the better.

The Trust has worked with successive Governments over the years to push the Act forward, but must congratulate the work of the Ministry for Heritage for resolving the sticking points that have enabled the Act to finally be published today. This new Act will address many of the legal impasses that heritage protection has come up against over the years, but more importantly will set up a structure, supported by statute, that will underpin the day to day heritage management and inform policies and strategies.

Also with the Act is an expanded Schedule of listed buildings. Previously there were only 9 buildings on the 1989 Schedule, the list has been expanded and now includes 80 more buildings, monuments and sites which is a noteworthy improvement. Of significant importance and key to moving forwards are the mechanisms provided within the Act for adding to this list and we will continue to work towards protecting more buildings and sites within the new structures created. The Trust looks forward to following the Parliamentary debate on the Bill and its eventual
passing into law.

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