Jun 04 – End Of First Phase For Northern Defences Restoration
The first phase of work, which has cost an estimated £200,000 to date, carried out to restore the Northern Defences has been completed.
At a press conference held this morning, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia together with project manager Carl Viagas, described this project as a logistical nightmare that the government has undertaken to improve the area, known locally as ‘the jungle’, after it was used as a dumping ground for many years.
An estimated 500 tonnes of rubbish has been cleared out from the area, and the next phase is due to start this Sunday when Royal Engineers arrive in Gibraltar.
Mr Viagas explained the rubbish dumped in the area – motorcycles, household appliances including refrigerators, and mattresses – has had to be cleared by hand. He said many historical relics such as cannon and mortar shells have also been found in the area, and these will be put on display for visitors.
Asked whether the area would revert back to becoming a dumping ground by the community, Mr Viagas said: "If you place trust in a community, hopefully that is rewarded."
The project to restore and improve the area is led by Dr Garcia who heads an inter-ministerial committee together with the Minister for the Environment, Dr John Cortes, the Minister for Heritage, Steven Linares and the Minister for Tourism, Samantha Sacramento. In addition to the political group, there is a group of officials and technical advisers to the government who are assisting in taking the matter forward.
Dr Garcia said: “As a historian as well as a politician, I am delighted to see the completion of the first phase of our project designed to clear and refurbish the Northern Defences.
“This has been a mammoth task but one that brings huge rewards. This area is an important part of Gibraltar’s heritage and it will form a key role in the renewal of the old town district.
“The Government has already made it clear that this is very much a long-term project which will be carried out in phases over a number of years.”
The Heritage Trust has also shown its support for the project, and is part of the working group. Claire Montado, CEO of the Trust said this will make the area enjoyable to locals and tourists alike.
The Northern Defences is a unique network of tunnels, galleries and defensive positions linking the Road to the Lines and the Upper Galleries to Casemates Square. This engineering feat was completed at the end of the 18th century but in later years it fell into disrepair and became extremely neglected.
The completed area around the foundations of the Puerta de Granada will be made safe before works progress into a second phase which will provide a link to the Middle galleries and Upper Rock. This is the work which will be initiated by a team of Royal Engineers.
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