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OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE RESTORED |
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OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE RESTORED |
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The Restoration of the Exterior of the City Hall. The restoration of the exterior of the City Hall had first been proposed as far back as 1993 and, following discussions and meetings with the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, a work plan was formulated. Work started in February 1995, and was carried out by Gibraltar Government contractors. It was funded by the Government of Gibraltar and the European Union, in addition to contributions by the Manifold Trust and the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.
The restoration of the City Hall facades entailed the removal of all the existing windows and subsequent replacement by new windows and shutters, the repairs to all visible render cracks, the casting of new quoins and the removal of the existing balcony walls. The balcony walls were replaced with ornate period cast iron balustrading. It was also decided that a parapet wall utilising the same balusters as seen in the boulevard across the road, and which had originally come from the City Hall, would be provided along the eaves level. Furthermore, projecting cornices were provided at all floor levels. This feature, along with other details, faithfully restored the building to its appearance circa 1930. It was found that some of the building's features which had originally been thought to be acceptable were, upon detailed investigation, found to be beyond reasonable repair. The problem was worsened when it was discovered that there was dry rot infestation in the window frames and decorative panel timberwork. What had originally been intended as mere repairs turned out to be major works. Nevertheless, none of these setbacks deterred the Gibraltar Government, the Heritage Trust and the Contractors from successfully restoring a building of such significant heritage value as is the City Hall. The result has been the enhancement of what has become the focus of Gibraltar's city life - the John Mackintosh Square and the restoration of the earlier important historic appearance of the building, which has played a central part in Gibraltarian history for over four hundred years. The revised colour scheme, the rendered parapet wall, the coloured quoins and magnificent balconies and shutters have enjoyed the approval of all Gibraltar, not least after being the subject of a television documentary of the works. The successful restoration of the City Hall, completed in April 1996, enjoys pride of place in John Mackintosh Square, the hub and centre of Gibraltar's city life. |
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