Heritage Award Winners 1993 - 2022

Dennis King and team of teachers.

Group Award

For bringing to Middle School children an awareness of our heritage through organised fortnightly outings, in their spare time.

The Royal Engineers.

Group Award

For their efforts to contribute to many restoration projects.

Christopher Terry

Senior Individual Award

For his leadership and hard work on the restoration of Parson’s Lodge Battery.

Charles Santos

Junior Individual Award

For his enthusiasm and voluntary work at Parson’s Lodge Battery.

Messrs M H Serruya Properties Ltd

Group Award

Restoration of Line Wall Road façade of their property at 92 Irish Town.

Dr Joseph Garcia

Senior Individual Award

For his book “Gibraltar - The Making of a People”.

Roy Johnson

Senior Individual Award

For his zeal and dedication in carrying out restoration work, particularly high-quality stone masonry, at both Trafalgar Cemetery and Parson’s Lodge Battery.

Robert Matto

Junior Individual Award

For his portfolio on Gibraltar’s Architectural Heritage.

Turicum Private Bank

Group Award

For the exemplary restoration of their premises at 315 Main Street

Sir John Smith and The Manifold Trust

Group Award

In appreciation of their generous support which made possible the restoration of the exterior of the City Hall

Lionel Culatto

Senior Individual Award

For his successful organisation of the visit to Gibraltar by the Fortress Study Group, his participation in the production of the book “Strong as The Rock Of Gibraltar”, and his continuing commitment to Gibraltar’s heritage.

Wildlife (Gibraltar) Ltd

Group Award

Outstanding work in restoring and refurbishing the Alameda Gardens and establishing the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens.

Major General Simon Pack CB CBE

Senior Individual Award

Launching the Maritime Museum project by inviting Colin White over to Gibraltar; organising two Royal Marines concerts resulting in the Gibraltar Heritage Trust receiving proceeds of almost £25,000.

StraitVision Productions

Group Award

For their video “The Evacuation - Cause and Effect” which provides an excellent pictorial, written and spoken record of the evacuation, the war years and how the Gibraltarians we are today were created during those traumatic years.  It covers a crucial and memorable period of our history.

Tito Benady

Senior Individual Award

For his outstanding contributions to Gibraltar’s literary heritage by his own writing and his encouragement of others.

Credit Agricole Indosuez

Group Award

The careful restoration of the ground floor facade of their premises at 206/210 Main Street to its original style of stone frontage with arched windows and doors and also the restoration of the interior of the building.

Pepe Morello

Senior Individual Award

For his hard work in researching and collecting items of memorabilia of Gibraltar and its social history.

St Christopher’s School

Junior Award

For “The design and fabrication of two large-scale multi-media wall hangings.  One presents an artistic impression of Gibraltar’s military past and present.  The other celebrates the four main religions represented on the Rock and evokes our inheritance of multi-cultural religious tolerance about which we can all be so proud”.

Casino Calpe

Group Award

For their excellent and sympathetic restoration of the former St George’s School (conversion into the Club’s new premises).

Richard Garcia

Senior Individual Award

For his ongoing research into Gibraltar’s history, especially in the fields of philately and numismatics

Bayside Comprehensive School

Group Award

The Millennium project “Living History: Memories of The Evacuation”.

Freddie Gomez

Senior Individual Award

For his enthusiasm and single-minded dedication to the restoration and preservation of Flat Bastion Magazine.

Pupils of Bayside Comprehensive School

Junior Award

The Millennium project “Living History: Memories of The Evacuation”.

(NONE)

One nomination [in respect of Merchant House (Deloitte & Touche main offices)] to be considered in next year’s list.

Messrs Deloitte & Touche

Group Award

For the elegant restoration of Merchant House and the enhancement of the character of our city’s principal square.

The Gibraltar Re-enactment Society

Group Award

For providing a much-appreciated spectacle of Gibraltar’s military past (With the support of the Gibraltar Tourist Board)

Lorna Swift

Senior Individual Award

For her dedication to the Gibraltar Garrison Library and for providing invaluable facilities to all researchers of Gibraltar’s history

Joseph A Rodriguez

Senior Individual Award

For his meticulously recreated scale model of the 100-ton gun and fostering awareness of Gibraltar’s military heritage.

John Murphy

Senior Individual Award

For his active participation and constant enthusiasm in the preservation and promotion of all aspects of Gibraltar’s heritage.

Ministry of Defence, Gibraltar

Group Award

For the care and attention to detail devoted to the heritage-friendly refurbishment of Carter House (formerly ‘E’ block), Naval Hospital Road

1st/4th Gibraltar (MMHO) Scouts Group

Junior Award

For their enthusiasm, hard work and dedication in clearing accumulated rubbish and refuse from Witham’s Cemetery, a long-neglected site of interest in Gibraltar’s history.

RAF (Gibraltar) – General Engineering Section

Group Award

In recognition of the retrieval of the memorial plaque to General Sikorski and its donation to the people of Gibraltar.

Other works such as the refurbishment of the Boyd memorial near King’s Bastion are also recognised by this award.

Joseph (Pepe) Rosado

Senior Individual Award

In recognition of his unstinting and passionate support for Gibraltar’s heritage over the years and in particular for his research into and organisation of tours of The Convent for both local and overseas visitors which has so enhanced the knowledge of this heritage site.

Pupils of Bayside Comprehensive School

Junior Award

In recognition of the very successful project entitled “A Walk through History” carried out by the school’s History Department during the tercentenary year.

Edward G Archer and Albert A Traverso

Senior Heritage Award

In recognition of their research into the history of Education in Gibraltar and the publication of the book “Education in Gibraltar 1704 – 2004”.  Through their efforts, an important part of Gibraltar’s history has been recorded.

BDO Fidecs

Group Award

For the saving of Montagu Pavilion and its sensitive conversion into modern offices, thus giving this public building, which saw so many generations of Gibraltarians enjoying water sports over so many years, a new and useful lease of life.

Pupils of Bayside School

Junior Award

For their reconstruction of the ‘Siege Machine’, undertaken for the Three Kings’ Cavalcade, bringing home “living heritage” to fellow pupils and the public.  This will be the fourth Heritage Award presented to Bayside School.

Warrant Officer II Pete Jackson MBE

Heritage Commendation

For the invaluable practical support that he has given to Gibraltar’s heritage over the past three years.  In particular, the Trust wishes to highlight his extensive knowledge of the WWII Tunnels and his enthusiastic transmission of this knowledge not only to his colleagues but also to all visitors, local and from abroad.

Mario Finlayson

Senior Heritage Award

for his artwork depicting the beauty of Gibraltar’s architecture, old buildings, churches, and views of the bay and having promoted characteristic landscapes of Gibraltar abroad.

Gibraltar Joinery and Building Services Ltd

Group Award

For the authentic reproduction of the carriage for the Koehler Depression Gun.

1st/4th Scout Group

Junior Award

For assisting restoration work and tidying the O’Hara’s Battery site.

Eric Rowbottom (Senior)

Heritage Commendation

For the composition of a military march which has been recorded on CD for worldwide distribution.

Basil Gowen

Heritage Commendation

For the donation of his life-long unique collection of Gibraltar silk postcards to the people of Gibraltar.

Leslie Linares

Senior Heritage Award

In recognition of his outstanding dedication to researching and recording, through photography, all aspects of Gibraltar’s nature, flora, and fauna, considering that these are an integral part of

Gibraltar’s heritage.

Carl Viagas

Senior Heritage Award

In recognition of the exceptional work in bringing back to life orange bastion and King’s Bastion through magnificent heritage-sensitive restorations.

The Bonita Trust

Group Award

In recognition of the magnificent contribution towards the protection of Gibraltar’s heritage, especially the restoration of Mediterranean Steps and Charles V Wall

Sacred Heart Middle School

Junior Award

In recognition of the ‘History Alive’ Days, especially the Victorian element, recreating Gibraltar in the 1800’s

Major (Retd.) David Seed

Special Commendation

For outstanding and invaluable assistance to the Heritage Trust in co-ordinating and directing the annual ‘Marble Tor’ exercises towards heritage-related projects such as renovating the 100ton Gun, Parson’s Lodge Battery, Princess Anne’s Battery, Flat Bastion Magazine, and Witham’s Cemetery.

John Frendo

Senior Heritage Award

In recognition of the many years which he has dedicated to the preservation and protection of Gibraltar’s Heritage. Mr Frendo’s eye for detail and his positive attitude towards heritage preservation is an example to all.

The Town Range Barracks

Group Award

In recognition of the redevelopment of this early 18th Century row of military barracks into apartments

The Old Naval Hospital

Group Award

In recognition of the sensitive way the site has been redeveloped.

In both instances, the heritage-sensitive approach to the redevelopment of these sites is a credit to all involved, developers, architects, contractors, and the residents who are now the custodians of these buildings

Richard Labrador

Individual Award

For the restoration of John Snow House an ex-MOD married quarter in the South District dating to 1903.

Wayne Estella

Individual Award

For the recovery of 5 Hargrave’s Parade an example of Gibraltar’s local architecture which has been brought back into use as a home from near-derelict condition.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Group Award

For the renovation of the exterior of the cathedral carried out under the Rock of Ages Campaign.

Grand MagazinE

Group Award

For its sensitive transformation into a modern facility by

Commercial Developments Inc. Ltd.

Gil Podesta

Special Commendation

For recognition of the many years dedicated to the preservation and protection of Gibraltar’s Heritage.

Miss Marjorie Hoare

Individual Award

For a lifetime contribution to the preservation of Gibraltar’s Heritage. As one of the founding members of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, Miss Hoare’s support of all matter’s heritage has been unstinting, continuing to this day as an Honorary Trustee on the Board of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.

Mr John Stephen Barea

Individual Award

For the production of the DVD ‘The History of Gibraltar’. Researched and compiled over a seven-year period, the resulting production brings together original artwork, historical photographs, and footage to tell a detailed history of Gibraltar.

The late Mr John Manuel Risso

Individual Award

For the refurbishment of the building at 3 Horse Barrack Lane. This building, today a family home, was refurbished internally and externally using authentic materials and respecting the character of the building and adding to the character of Main Street.

Mr Patrick Pilcher

Individual Award

For the refurbishment of 8 North Pavilion Road. This building had been refurbished into a beautiful family home respecting the colonial character of the building and its garden.

British Forces Headquarters Gibraltar

Special Commendation

In recognition of the support given to the Trust over many years.

Flipten Ltd

Special Commendation

For the building at 21-23 Engineer Lane where the exterior of the building has been refurbished and restored using authentic materials where possible.

Ibex Insurance

Special Commendation

For the building at 66/68 Irish Town where the exterior of the building has been refurbished and restored using authentic materials where possible.

Mr. Roy Harding

Individual Award

For a decade of services to the Gibraltar Heritage Trust as Honorary Treasurer.

Mr. Tito Benady MBE

Individual Award

For life-long dedication to researching and documenting Gibraltar’s history and heritage.

Mr. Joseph Gingell

Individual Award

For his book ‘We Thank God and England’ and associated research and compilation of archives.

The Friends of Gibraltar Society

Group Award

For their continued and long-standing support of Gibraltar's Heritage.

HSE Consulting Ltd

Group Award

For the sensitive refurbishment of the exterior of 62-64 Irish Town.

The Convent

Special Commendation

For the continuing programme of renovation and restoration works within this historic complex.

Nicholas P. Cruz

Individual Award

For the sensitive extension and redevelopment of 19-21 Scud Hill which preserves the historic streetscape.

Peter C. Montegriffo

Individual Award

For the sensitive refurbishment and restoration of 1 Rosia Parade.

CASAIS (Gibraltar) Ltd

Group Award

For the Harding’s Gun project, Harding’s Battery, Europa Point.

Neville Chipulina

Special Commendation

For the website www.gibraltar-social-history.blogspot.com and associated sites.

Mr & Mrs Tombolis

Special Commendation

For the heritage sensitive refurbishment of the exterior of 6,8,10 Irish Town.

Dr. & Mrs. R. Coram

Individual Award

For the sensitive restoration and refurbishment of 10 Library Street.

Mr & Mrs D. Feetham

Individual Award

For the sensitive design, extension, and refurbishment of the original building at Ince’s Farm.

The Environmental Safety Group

Group Award

For their efforts on the 10th anniversary of campaigning for an improved environment under the Clean Up the World banner.

Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation, Lui Rui & Mr. J. Scott

Group Award

For the televised documentary series ‘Business Heritage’.

Flat Bastion Mews

Group Award

For its sensitive restoration and regeneration.

Cancer Relief Centre

Group Award

For the external renovation of the ex-Officer’s Mess at 5 South Barrack Road.

Deodar Ltd

Heritage Commendation

For the sensitive refurbishment of 31-35 Cannon Lane.

Brian Gomila

Individual Award

For the promotion of education on Gibraltar’s natural heritage through ‘Monkey Talk’ outings and events.

Dr. Sam Benady & Mrs Mary Chiappe

Individual Award

For their series of Historical fiction novels, the ‘Bresciano Mysteries” set in 18th century Gibraltar.

Jew’s Gate Cemetery

Group Award

For the sensitive installation of raised walkways and improved access to this historic site.

Gibraltar International Bank

Group Award

For the sensitive conversion of the Ince’s Hall into the G.I.B head office.

University of Gibraltar

Group Award

For the conversion of Bomb Proof Barrakcs into a 21st Century Higher education facility.

The White Light Company

Group Award

For the promotion of our social history through their play “ Llevame donde Naci”.

HM GoG

Group Award

For the restoration and re-development of the Ex-Royal Naval Hospital.

Mr & Mrs Pitaluga

Individual Award

For the renovation of Loquat House

Mr Paul and Liz Butler

Individual Award

For extensive restoration of the property and its grounds.

BCP Venture

Heritage Commendation

For the refurbishment of 1 Governor’s Street

Mr and Mrs Balban-Diable

Heritage Commendation

For the refurbishment of 1 Boschetti’s steps.

The Kasbar

Group Award

For the sensitive restoration of 5 Castle Steps.

Wellington Front

Group Award

For the sensitive restoration of Wellington Front/ vaults.

Upper Rock Anglian Way/ Genoese Battery

Group Award

For the sensitive restoration and opening of our historical military pathways.

Youth Group

Group Award

For the re-painting of Devil’s Gap Steps.

Gibraltar Post Office

Group Award

Collection, restoration and placing of historic pillar boxes in town centre, accompanying leaflet also produced. Thought given to and standard set for placing of boxes in the ground for easy maintenance.

James Sanguinetti & Son

Individual Award

The business has been restoring furniture since 1870 resulting in three generations handling the business and learning the trade. Restorations of local furniture’s and antiques include gilded frames, pianos, Grandfather Clocks and mirrors. The Business has also worked on items such as The Hackney Carriage in the Museum, the Crest of the Supreme Court dated early 1800s, cannon tampions and furniture which is still used today at the House of Assembly, St Joseph’s church, the Governor’s dining table and many more. 

The Arches. Police Barracks

Group Award

In recognition of the restoration and redevelopment of ‘The Arches’ formally known as ‘The Gibraltar Police Barracks’. The building is a rare example of neoclassical architecture with Tuscan order columns and arcaded arches.  It was designed in 1905 and constructed in 1908. It was designed as a result of Gibraltar becoming increasingly demilitarised and the local Police taking on more responsibilities. The Gibraltar Police force was established in 1830 making it the second oldest police force in the World and the oldest Police Force in the Commonwealth. The Police Barracks was also a cultural hub within the Old Town and ensuring an accessible open forecourt is an investment in Gibraltar’s community and memory of the many families who lived and played in the complex.

Grape Vine House

Individual Award

Owned by Gil Podesta. This Gibraltar Town House has been beautifully restored and features many historical features. Such features are shared with the community for example an old water pump on the side of the building with an interpretation plaque for many to learn from.

Old St Joseph’s School/ Plata Villa

Group Award

Reafina/ Electricon for their restoration of Old St Joseph’s School. Witham’s Road.

MH Blands & Christopher Lloyd

Group Award

The book allows young readers to discover Gibraltar’s history from the earliest times to present day in a unique newspaper chronicle and fold out timeline charting 100 key moments in the Rock’s extraordinary history. The book also includes 40 quiz questions, facts and figures about the Rock and its history. In addition, they have worked with the Alameda Gardens and set up a history trail discovery route for young people to follow.

George Valarino

Heritage Commendation

George Valarino is the former head of GBC, and his book reflects on 60 years of broadcasting history at GBC. The book’s title were the first three words broadcasted over Radio Gibraltar back in 1958. The book chronicles the development of broadcasting in Gibraltar, ranging from WWII when broadcasting was run by the Ministry of Information in the UK to the many services provided today in Gibraltar. The book is illustrated with historical photos of memorial moments of broadcasting.

Orion House

Heritage Commendation

George’s Lane, Restoration of town house

Mama Lotties

Heritage Commendation

Mama lotties was founded in 2012 by Justin Bautista as a method of sharing recipes that come from Gibraltar. Recipes which are inspired by the cultural melting pot that is its people and share them with the world. The recipes are free on the Mama Lotties website and open to everyone, as well as the publication of three recipe books which are available to purchase. Justin is continually learning, adapting and aims to bring fun back into the kitchen and make cooking fun for younger generations.

Mr Daniel Lanigan

Heritage Commendation

For sharing his oral history of the Old Army Bakery at Town Range.

Over several sessions with his neighbour Sydney Cunningham and Trustee Alfred Sacramento, Mr Lanigan gave his memories of working in the RASC Bakery at Town Range in the 1960’s. The information given was recorded on video and then made into a presentation which was shown by the Trust at it open day in April earlier this year. Mr Lanigan is housebound and therefore has not been able to join us tonight, but we hope that this commendation encourages others to share and record their oral histories for the enrichment of our historical record.

Mr Louis Pereira

Indivdual Award

For promoting heritage awareness surrounding the evacuation and links with Madeira & Malta. Genealogical research over many decades leading to the trees of over 100 families being researched and prepared.

Mr Pereira is a very well-known figure in our community for the reasons I have just noted, amongst others. He has been awarded internationally for his promotion efforts in 2013 with the Gold Medal of Merit awarded to him by the Funchal Council in Madeira. Over the years he has led over 1,000 Gibraltarian tourists to Madeira to explore this element of our heritage, as well as numerous trips to Malta with the same aim of promoting links.

In addition to this side of his activities, this award also recognises the genealogical research Mr Pereira has carried out over the years into the production of local family trees, with over 100 families and their roots being documented. This body of work is an important part of cataloguing and cementing the Gibraltarian identity and origins of our people.

Mr Gerald Lopez

Individual Award

For his lifelong dedication to the craft of traditional boat building and promotion of boat culture at Catalan Bay.

Mr Lopez is quite unassuming about the significance of the craft that he has dedicated his life to and the element of our maritime and fishing heritage he is keeping alive.

Catalan Bay has seen a steady decline in its fishing tradition in the past 30 years with only a handful of people who still continue to fish. The boat culture is something very dear to the village but has seen little encouragement to continue with the upkeep of these vessels. The craft of making and restoring wooden boats is now solely in the hands of Mr Lopez who has continued with this work despite the many challenges that have come his way.

Idan and Ruth Greenberg

Heritage Commendation (buildings)

For the sensitive renovation of 8-10 Booths Passage, retaining vernacular features and contributing to the regeneration of Gibraltar’s Old Town.

This building was purchased by the Greenbergs under the Government’s tender scheme aimed at regenerating buildings within Gibraltar’s old town. The Greenbergs have worked on the property since 2014 addressing many of the issues in the building which was derelict and in a state of collapse in parts. The project has seen the building restored and transformed with attention to vernacular details into a family home full of character and unique quirks and now stands out as an example to what can be achieved in this area of Gibraltar.

Red Fox Limited

Heritage Commendation (buildings)

For the dedicated and determined restoration of the façade at 1-9 Giro’s Passage with handmade replica tiles.

Although its address is Giro’s Passage, this building fronts onto Main Street, and it a key building contributing to the character of the square. The building has been in peril in the past when its complete demolition had been applied for on the grounds of ‘non-economic viability’. The Bassadone’s took on the building with a vision to retain as much of its vernacular character as possible, whilst also sympathetically extending it. The façade was a key part of this project. Covered in handmade tiles, many of which were broken, they were faced with finding a source for replacements, eventually hitting on a tilemaker in Seville who was working out of his shed. The successful renovation of this building is a story of how vision and perseverance can triumph.

Mr Andrew Brookes

Individual Award (Buildings)

For the sensitive restoration of the 'Villa' at 3 Library Gardens.

This large villa has been split in two over the decades with many of its vernacular features obscured and mistreated. Mr Brookes has re-exposed and restored many of these features such as the balcony terrace which had been enclosed with unsightly aluminium windows, re-exposing the cast iron columns and balustrade that were still there. Of note is the repair and restoration of the timber cupola in the roof of the building which before his intervention, we had been in danger of losing altogether. There are many other features within the property that have been restored and enhanced such as fireplaces, floors, windows, and doors, as well as the large marble staircase running up the house which has previously been blocked in.

Ministry for Heritage

Group Award (Buildings)

For the successful translocation of the Dockyard Gatehouse, a heritage building now protected for posterity.

The story of this small but significant building has been well documented since its total demolition was first mooted by the MOD in 2014. The intervening efforts by the Government to ensure that the building was not lost altogether were substantial and then down the Ministry for Heritage to ensure that it was removed and translocated in the same operation rather than being ‘stored’ as was originally suggested. The building is now listed, so protected under law, and although is still pending its final use, there is a project to do so which will allow it to be of benefit to the public.

Dr. John Cortes

Chairman’s Award

The Chairman’s Award is presented at the discretion of The Gibraltar Heritage Trust’s Chairman to a person or entity in recognition of their contribution and support to the Chair in carrying out their duties.

Manolo Galliano

Individual Award

With a lifelong interest in the history and heritage of Gibraltar, Manolo’s support of Gibraltar’s heritage precedes his 14 years of service as a Trustee of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. His depth of knowledge of all things Gibraltar as well as the passion and energy with which he communicates this are difficult to match. He has been instrumental in research and assisting the progression of Trust from its early days in Wellington Front. In his time, he has carried out extraordinary amounts of research for multiple publications, his series of books and journal articles as well as contributing to GHT affairs.

Phoenix House, 18 George’s Lane

Group Award

For the renovation of a derelict building and its sensitive extension. The entire building has been renovated into apartments, including windows, electrical system and restoration of wooden ceilings, stair wells, and exposed brick features. The works were carried out by ‘Just Real Estate’

117 Main Street

Group Award

For the conversion, extension and restoration of a property in the town area, repurposed for modern day office use in a sympathetic and appropriate style, maintaining original features and sense of Gibraltar’s unique architecture both inside and out. Works were carried out by ‘Heredium Limited’

25/27 Governor’s Street

Group Award

For the restoration and conservation of a residential property in the old town. Maintaining iconic features inside and on the exterior, including the roof tiles, the façade, fireplaces and original living space and style. The works were carried out by ‘Silverkey Real Estate’.

4&6 Castle Street also known as ‘The Nook’

Group Award

For a full restoration of two dilapidated properties in the old town. A sympathetic restoration, maintaining the character of the buildings and iconic features to Gibraltar’s Old Town and patio life, which is quintessential to Gibraltarian living. The new renovated space is now a desirable residential area in the heart of Gibraltar’s old town.  The works were carried out by ‘Silverkey Real Estate’.

2 King’s Street

Group Award

For a full restoration of the property in the town area in a sensitive and sympathetic manner, incorporating iconic features from a Main Street shop circa 1950s.

Grand Central House, 24-32 Engineer’s Lane

Group Award

For the preservation of Gibraltar’s unique architectural heritage in the town area. Restoration included the conservation of historical features and their incorporation into the building refurbishment.

Dr Sam Benady and Ms. Sarah Devincenzi

Heritage Commendation

for their book ‘A Pictorial History of Gibraltar’. The book is unique history book, full of facts, executed with brilliant illustrations in a comic book style. The book is ideal for engaging younger ages with Gibraltar’s history but is also very enjoyable for people of all ages.

Andrew Rowbottom

Heritage Commendation

for the restoration and conservation of the Model Galleon, ‘St Ma Trinitas’.  The model galleon was made and  by a dockyard worker, Francisco Gonzalez in 1951. It was later gifted to the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity by Alexander Undery whose family has a long history with the Navy. Andrew Rowbottom has undertaken the restoration over three months. A wooden cradle was made especially for the ship, woodworm was treated, electrics replaced, rigging was replaced, foremast and bowsprit were restored and much more. Undertaking of restorations such as this are important to the survival of many historical items in Gibraltar which may not otherwise survive the passage of time.

Alexander Sanchez-Soiza and Aaron Sanchez-Soiza.

Heritage Commendation

This award falls under the junior category and they are awarded for their efforts in enhancing Gibraltar’s marine heritage. They have developed schemes such as #MedOceanHeroes and The Great Gibraltar Beach Clean. Areas such as Rosia Bay have been targeted to ensure it is left clear of rubbish and help protect the marine life and its environments.

Marcello Sanguinetti

Chairman’s Award

The Chairman’s Award is presented at the discretion of The Gibraltar Heritage Trust’s Chairman to a person or entity in recognition of their contribution and support to the Chair in carrying out their duties.

The Queen’s Picture House & Eatery

Group Award

For continuing and celebrating the legacy and nostalgia of the Queen’s Cinema and the movie-going public. The business has sensitively converted a vault at Casemates Barracks into a fine dining establishment with the added element of a cinema room for movie viewings and private hire.

Legacy Productions Ltd.

Heritage Commendation

For the documentary ‘Times of Closure’, produced by Stephen Cummings, which explores and documents the impact of the frontier closure. The work is an important contribution to the social and political history of Gibraltar.

Bassadone Automotive World, 78 Queensway

Group Award

The site of Dockyard warehouses now converted for use by The Bassadone Automotive Group. This set of stone warehouses has been restored and the requirements of the BAG operation designed around the building’s features and industrial installations. Features include a gantry crane that has been retained and converted into a bridge, the refurbishment and adaptation of cranes for continued use, fittings such as vintage lampshades reused, restoration and clever reuse of the wooden cobbles that made up areas of flooring, as well as interventions to keep original staircases in situ and in use. From the outset the project had the heritage value of the buildings as one of the central considerations to the design.

XAPO Bank, 1-2 Casemates Vaults

Group Award

For the conversion of these vaults and the area behind them into the international headquarters for their business. The site of the ex- Gibraltar Crystal factory is unrecognisable in that the vaults have been totally reformed into the banking meeting rooms and facilities whilst restoring and retaining the heritage value of the site. In the process new discoveries were made of elements surviving from the medieval period and even the discovery of an extra room. The finished product sets the bar very high for future conversions and adaptions of the Barracks and the space behind it.

Kastaluna Communications and Dr. Darren Fa

Heritage Commendation  

For the TV Series ‘Fortress of Fortresses’ and ‘A Place in Time’. Both documentaries look at Gibraltar’s evolution as a Fortress City and the changes that time has affected on it. ‘Fortress of Fortresses’ ran to two series and explored Gibraltar’s defences and artillery pieces in depth, whereas in ‘A Place in Time’ Dr. Fa and Keith Madeira investigated features that have disappeared using GIS technology to locate and explore their stories further. Both series were commissioned and aired by GBC and have served to raise awareness about this element of our heritage.

Villa Bernadette

Individual Award

For its careful recent restoration and refurbishment that keeps and enhances the character of this building.  Built in 1892 and kept as the family home for 4 generations, the building has undergone several alterations and refurbishments throughout its history, however the family ethos has been to maintain the heritage features and character. Its latest renovations have seen the window sympathetically upgraded, restoration of the stone and ironwork and many other internal features retained.

1 North Pavilion Road

Individual Award

For its sensitive restoration and extension. One of a row of mid-19th Century properties, it has been lovingly restored and extended sensitively whilst enhancing and respecting original fixtures and fittings. From the tiled floor in the entrance hall, to the fireplaces, molded ceilings and fireplaces, coal chute, bannisters, and door handles, it has all been respected whilst also extending the property to cater for modern day family life.

Carrick House, 6 St. Christopher’s Alley

Group Award

For the restoration and sensitive extension of this late 19th Century ex-Officer’s Quarter into a family home. The project has been achieved in a way that respects and promotes the original features of the property whilst providing extra space in a discrete way.

‘La Gendarmerie’ The Old Police Station, Irish Town

Group Award  

For the conversion and extension of the Victorian era Police Station into office space, encompassing public access and amenity on the ground floor in terms of an exhibition space. The project has retained the custody cells for future interpretation as well as other original features of the building. The bold top floor extension has been achieved in a modern style which integrates well with the original building and makes a statement about the Gibraltar of the past and future. The external façade of this building was also in a very dilapidated state and has been painstakingly restored to its former glory.

Trends Superstore

Heritage Commendation

For the recovery and redevelopment of this set of Main Street buildings in a way that addressed significant structural elements whilst also retaining most of the original structures and their integrity.

GibDock & Monteverde & Sons (25-pdr restoration)

Group Award

Gibdock and Monteverde & Sons have supported the Ministry for Heritage and the Gibraltar Heritage Trust in their efforts to salvage and restore this historical gun, to a very high standard, for its display in Napier of Magdala Battery. These types of artillery were the major British field gun and howitzer during the Second World War and have since been used in defence and for ceremonial purposes on the Rock. This project was undertaken with the assistance of Keith Sheriff from the Ministry for Heritage and Pete Jackson MBE from the Heritage Trust.

Central Hall (GCS)

Group Award

For the efforts of Gibraltar Cultural Services to refurbish Central Hall. Their works have re-exposed the original walls, ceiling, and other features which has not been seen for many years, opening the hall and its history to the public once again. The refurbishment included the installation of an elegant new stained-glass window designed by local artist Sean Ballester which was unveiled in May 2022.

‘The Awakening’ Light Show Experience, St. Michael’s Cave

Group Award

The St Michael’s Cave visitor experience created by the team at Wright Tech Media has taken the interpretation and staging of this historic cavern to a new level. The computerised light show has been designed to enhance the natural beauty of the cave and tells the geological story of Gibraltar in an intuitive and immersive way. The experience also includes a freely available educational package that appeals to school age children. Interactive QR codes placed around the cave introduced younger visitors to the ancient history of the Rock through their cartoon guide, Wally the Macaque. The visitor experience is finished off with a range of quality unique souvenirs.

Sylvian Suites, 34 Castle Road

Group Award

For the refurbishment of what was previously known as blocks ‘H, I and J’ of the former Police Barracks estate is a significant project within the Old Town.

The buildings were in a state of severe neglect and dilapidation, full of debris and detritus before being taken on in 2017. Restricted access to the site meant that traditional piling techniques were not an option. The project has seen the successful recovery of these buildings using a technique that was new to Gibraltar, the insertion of a ‘sleeve’ within the building which has allowed for the retention of the building fabric while preserving the external appearance and respecting the traditional fenestration.

The Sylvian Suites project demonstrates that with the will to do so, we can recover and reuse our traditional buildings for modern living in the Old Town.

‘The Tower’, Command HQ, HM Naval Base

Group Award

For the refurbishment of ‘The Tower’. The project was undertaken with a conservation-led approach. Key features such as the limestone walls, fenestration, balustrades, and walkways were carefully and sensitively refurbished and restored to retain its 1905 appearance whilst also providing a 21st century workspace for the workforce and users. A further discovery of an ARP shelter under the courtyard has increased its heritage value and story.

The Tower is the most visited and high-profile building in the MOD estate in Gibraltar and new life has now been breathed into the building. This has enhanced its historic and architectural interest and underpinned the military ethos of the site.

Dr. Sam Benady

Individual Award

Dr. Benady’s body of work on the Gibraltar subject and his contribution to heritage preservation goals is exemplary. He has dedicated many years to promoting and shedding light on Gibraltar’s rich history, through storytelling, research, and publications – two of his publications (Bresciano Mysteries and A Pictorial History of Gibraltar) have previously received Heritage Awards.

A past Board Member of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, he is an active advocate of heritage preservation in Gibraltar. He is a core contributor to the Gibraltar Heritage Journal, currently also on the Editorial Board. His latest project a blog called ‘Keys of the City’ has hundreds of articles and notes on Gibraltar’s history, using the platform to deliver bitesize chunks of our history to a new online generation, exposing little known aspects of history or correcting factual errors. Dr. Benady is a staunch promoter of Gibraltar and its heritage.

‘Farm Boiler’ Restoration by Cristina Reyes

Junior Award

For the restoration of a Farm Boiler by young heritage enthusiast Cristina Reyes. This project is a perfect example of how our heritage can inspire our youth. As part of the service element of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, Cristina has dedicated many months to the restoration of this item which was in a poor state after salvage from a local garden. Boilers such as these were once common on the Rock, used for the preparation of food for the Garrison in the war years. Even after completion of this project she continues her involvement with the Fortress of Gibraltar Group, learning from her surroundings and sharing her historical knowledge with others.

The Nautilus Project, Silver Duke of Edinburgh #MedOceanHeroes

Junior Award

This group of young individuals have dedicated many hours learning about and taking action to preserve our marine and coastal heritage. Working at sites such as the historical site of Rosia Bay, this group of young people have spent more than two years working beyond the requirements for their award, getting hands on with conservation projects and inspiring their peers to get involved. This work is invaluable to protecting our natural as well as built heritage that is so unique to Gibraltar.

The Gibraltar Garrison Library Staff - Digitisation & Respository Project

Group Award

Their efforts to beautifully restore the library basement for use as a modern day repository have surpassed their vision. Their works have included the removal of accretions, restoration of walls and features such as original flooring, environmental conditioning, and provisions for a stable climate for the storage and restoration of items from the collections. The project will ensure the continued conservation of the library’s over 200-year-old collection and will be of wider benefit with much greater access, both locally and internationally, to items held. 

Victor Hermida

Individual Award

For his outstanding contribution to heritage preservation. Mr. Hermida has dedicated many years to chronicling and sharing our unique history, whether through Trust tours, surveys, reports and articles for the Fortress of Gibraltar Group, or through his incredible photography work. He continues to be extremely active in this field. Most recently, he provided illustrations and photography for the publication, ‘A Rocky Labyrinth: The History of the Streets, Roads, Lanes and Ramps of the City of Gibraltar’, a comprehensive volume that documents and explores the history of Gibraltar’s streets. This is his fifth collaboration with heritage enthusiast and author Manolo Galliano, with a second volume of this work publihsed in December 2023; 'Beyond the Ramparts: The History of Gibraltar's Roads, Lanes and Streets beyond the City Walls.' 

Dr. Ryan Asquez as the 'Llanito History Doctor'

Special Commendation

Dr. Asquez has dedicated most of his researcher career to learning and writing about Gibraltar’s medieval and religious history and has more recently brought this history to life to a new audience through his facebook and Instagram accounts. In an engaging Vlogging style, Dr. Asquez shares snippets of information and anecdotes of Gibraltar’s history in just 30-40 second video clips and through his use of llanito language and quips, he has created a unique style that captures the imagination and leaves viewers wanting to find out more. 

Napier House, 1 St. Christopher's Alley

Special Commendation

For the sensitive conversion of an ex-MOD quarter into a modern family home. The Mumford family have thoroughly researched the history of the building and used the knowledge gained to inform the modernisation of the property into a family home whilst keeping original proportions and features both internally and externally. These include the fireplace, interior doors and skirtings, staircase and exterior features. External restoration has included retention and repurposing of features like the coal bunker and restoration of the wooden porch and retained in its original form. The property is an example of how more relatively modern buildings are also part of Gibraltar’s wider story and can continue to serve our community.

27 Hospital Ramp

Special Commendation

This building continues to undergo a sympathetic refurbishment in the Old Town. This restoration project has been driven by the owners of the building, Jennifer Yeo, Claudia Schiel, David & Brenda Dinwoodie and Daniel & Anjie Tavares who have led the main works.

St Joseph's Upper Primary School

Group Award

For the teacher teams who are engaging younger generations through project-based learning about Gibraltar's history and heritage in their curriculum. Of particular note was the organised Year 3 visit to the Waterport Terraces Day Centre where pupils engaged with residents sharing first hand stories of their experiences during the Evacuation in WWII. Also of note was the Year 4 project on 'Why do we have city walls' as part of which the students embarked on a sponsored walk that covered the length of the City Walls, exploring their origins and purpose. These visits and trips are innovative ways to encourage our younger generations to engage with and think about our heritage in diverse ways, owing gratitude to their teachers. We know that many schools locally are engaging with our heritage in innovative ways and hope to see more nominations of this sort being brought forward.