Aug 08 - Heritage Trust Concerned About Loss Of Colonial Houses
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust says that it thanks the Government for its response to its concerns about the past demolition of ex-MOD married quarters but stresses that its original press release did not, at any point, make any reference to the present administration or point any finger of blame. The Trust says that it was simply expressing its concern about the gradual trend in the last 10 years of the loss of these houses and their replacement by millionaire mansions.
The Trust says it admits that it is correct that the properties referred to in its press release suffered demolition under the previous administration and it “regrets this wholeheartedly.”
A statement from the Trust concludes: “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 ex-MOD 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.”
