NLIS 9
October 7, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Management plan released on future of Colonial Building

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Paul Shelley today announced the release of the proposed management plan for the Colonial Building. The release of this document will allow the general public to review the recommendations regarding the future use of the building and provide feedback on the proposed plan until November 10.

�We recognize the historical and cultural significance of the Colonial Building, and we are committed to preserving this important resource for our future generations,� said Minister Shelley. �This plan proposes to protect and interpret the significance of the building, while also ensuring it continues to function as a government and public space.�

Key components of the management plan include recommendations that would see the Colonial Building operate as a provincial historic site with a fully developed interpretation and conservation program, including the restoration of the structure�s exterior and grounds. The proposed management plan was developed through consultations with members of the heritage community. �This management plan assesses the building itself, as well as options for future use. It will be a valuable tool in helping us determine an appropriate restoration plan, with public access as an important consideration,� continued the minister.

As an immediate measure, government will invest $20,000 to implement enhanced security measures at the building, including improved exterior lighting and closed-circuit cameras.

The management plan is available on the department�s Web site. An open house will be held at the Colonial Building at a date and time to be announced, which will be an opportunity for the public to discuss the proposed plans with departmental staff.

�This site has often been recognized as one of the most significant heritage buildings in our province,� said the minister. �I encourage everyone interested in ensuring the preservation and future use of this historical and cultural edifice to make their comments on this management plan known through this process.�

Built between 1847 and 1850, the Colonial Building stood as the centre and the principal focus of political activity in the province from 1850 to 1959. As the former seat of the Colonial Government, the meeting place of the National Convention, and the original House of Assembly for the province after 1949, the building is one of the most historically important buildings in the province.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0557, 728-7762

2005 10 07                       3:35 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement