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Jun 13 - Upper Town Beautification Project Outlined

cortes viagasAs an issue recently covered by YGTV, the announcement by Minister for Urban Renewal Dr. John Cortes on the beautification and renewal project of the Upper Town, was very much welcomed today by the press. The plan covers the opening up of a number of areas, including a garden situated between Castle Ramp and the Engineer’s Lane Car Park. The project will also see extensive street beautification and new links developed between Road to the Lines and Castle Road.

Dr. Cortes insisted that the Government wished to develop the Upper Town as a destination, perhaps even for tourists. He noted that following these works, he hoped to see retailers and restaurants open up in the area.

Commenting on the recently announced conversion of the former St. Bernard’s Hospital building into the St. Bernard’s First and Middle Schools Dr. Cortes claimed that the new buildings had to be linked to the rest of the town.

Outlining the project, Heritage Officer Carl Viagas noted that there is potential in the Upper Town, which he described as a gem that just needs to be polished. He explained that the scheme would see an upgrade to the existing infrastructures in the area, making the area more easy accessible for wheelchair users and those with disabilities.

Commenting on the abandoned wall, which divides the former Engineer Lane House Gardens, from the rest of the area. The proposal to demolish part of the wall will be tabled at tomorrow’s meetings of the Development and Planning Commission. Lowering the wall will allow users of the area to have a view overlooking the gardens below.

Dr. Cortes noted that his long-term vision was to open the area as a possible tourist destination and improve the general feel-good factor of the Upper Town residents.

Regarding the prominent issue of squatters and general anti-social behaviour in the area, Mr, Viagas noted that what tends to happen when public investment is made in an area, is that pride is instilled and residents tend to look after the area. Commenting on the various empty buildings in the area, Dr. Cortes explained that the former Police Barracks building has already gone out ‘for expression of interest’ and will go through the tender process. During tomorrow’s DPC meeting another proposal to refurbish existing dwellings along Ansaldo’s Passage will also be tabled.  Dr. Cortes added than any empty building sin the area that do belong to the Government will go through the tender process in order to have them renewed.

Also outlined during this morning’s press conference was a proposal to further refurbish the Grand Battery. This process would see the area used to carry out gun salutes, paved over. The area would also see the rehousing of one of Gibraltar’s Rock models.