Gibraltar Heritage Trust Trustees Visit The Mount to View Progress of Conservation Works
Trustees of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust (GHT) recently visited The Mount, the historic former naval residence on Europa Road, to review progress on ongoing conservation and improvement works. The visit formed part of the Trust’s programme of site inspections and engagement with project teams undertaking works to Gibraltar’s built heritage.
The visit was led by Carl Viagas representing the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister who is overseeing this project. During the tour, Trustees were briefed on the works completed to date, scope and sequencing of the project and its ongoing sensitive adaptation.
The Mount is one of Gibraltar’s signature heritage assets, sadly as yet unlisted. The latest works, which are in line with the Government’s Master Plan for the site, see movement in a very positive direction. Mr Viagas highlighted the Government’s support and commitment to the ongoing works, and the Trust took the opportunity to reiterate its support for the managed, phased works that ensure necessary conservation care. These works coupled with high-quality interpretation and a maintenance plan to safeguard long-term stewardship will ensure that The Mount continues to be a very special place for generations to come.
The Ballroom was officially inaugurated earlier this year following major investment from the Parasol Foundation. Known as the Parasol Event Hall, together with the decked exterior space, it will be available for events in due course. Trustees were impressed with the attention to detail that had gone into retaining original fixtures and fittings, reconditioning them for continued use.
Trustees also visited the restored North Gate House which has been sensitively restored by Government to allow administrative use. This building had been in a state of near collapse, so to see it recovered was particularly significant.
Sections of the historic grounds have also been cleared from decades of overgrowth with paths reinstated to reveal historic views and circulation. There is now a maintenance programme in place with plans to eventually scale to the full site.
By contrast the main residence is still in dire need of attention and restoration. Persistent water ingress, rot and dilapidation means that the building is in a very sorry state, however its character and proportions are still very much there and can be recovered. The Trustees heard from project manager Carl Viagas on how the vision is to restore the building to its former glory and bring it into public use is gaining momentum. Trustees pledged their support to keep the project moving.
Lady Flora Fraser, a writer of historical biographies, visiting Gibraltar to research her forthcoming book on the life of Lord Horatio Nelson, also formed part of the visit. CEO Claire Montado took the opportunity to share a snippet on a Nelson connection she had found as some of her research on Susannah Middleton, wife to the Commissioner of the Dockyard, who had resided at the Mount in the early 1800s.
Issued 27/10/25
