display ad hoc modifications, where during World
War II; heavy steel doors were added as roofing for
additional cover. New discoveries have also been
made, such as a defensive wall that can now be seen
stretching upward passed the Moorish castle and is
believed to date back to the 1600s.
So what’s next?
This area offers so much in terms of historical
tours and with the addition of perhaps more inte-
ractive exhibits and audiovisual elements it would
undoubtedly attract both tourists and locals alike.
But as we discussed with Carl, its potential is
far greater. With previous projects such as the use
of Kings Bastion as a leisure centre having been so
successful, it would be fantastic to see this part of
Gibraltar utilised in a way that offers new and exci-
ting leisure activities that keep locals coming back
again and again.
The tunnels have already been used for Halloween
events but their unique design means that it could
also offer anything from zip lines to rock climbing,
restaurants to laser tag and even yoga sessions that
offer stunning views across the bay.
Upon the successful completion of the clean-up
project, Gibraltar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Dr John
Garcia, has high hopes for the areas future; “As a
result of this Government’s vision, the Northern De-
fences have been transformed from a jungle into a
jewel. I am proud to say that this project addresses
our continued responsibility and commitment to the
Rock’s heritage and environment, and it also shows
the potential to increase the value of our tourist pro-
duct and social demands for open areas.”
The thing we all agreed on, is that any such pro-
jects to develop this area as a leisure space should
ensure that it is respectful to its landmarks and heri-
tage and it would be a missed opportunity to not take
advantage of this fantastic space. With imaginative
planning this wonderful area could bring something
special to the Rock.
Watch this space for future news and plans for
the Northern Defences!
OTWO 01 / AUGUST 2019
sido utilizados para eventos de Halloween, pero su di-
seño permite que pueden ofrecer cualquier cosa, desde
tirolinas hasta escalada en roca, restaurantes, juegos
de combate con láser e incluso sesiones de yoga que
se realzan con las impresionantes vistas de la bahía.
Al finalizar con éxito el proyecto de limpieza, el Vi-
ceministro Principal de Gibraltar, Dr. John García, tiene
grandes esperanzas para el futuro de esta zona; “Como
resultado de la visión de este Gobierno, las Defensas
del Norte se han transformado de una jungla en una
joya. Me enorgullece decir que este proyecto aborda
nuestra continua responsabilidad y compromiso con el
patrimonio y el medio ambiente del Peñon, y también
muestra el potencial para aumentar el valor de nuestro
producto turístico y las demandas sociales para mas
áreas abiertas”.
Lo que todos acordamos, es que cualquier proyecto
de este tipo para desarrollar esta área como un espacio
de ocio, debería garantizar que sea respetuoso con sus
puntos prominentes y su patrimonio. Sería una oportu-
nidad perdida no aprovechar este fantástico espacio
con una planificación imaginativa. Este maravilloso
espacio, podría aportar algo especial al peñón.
¡Ver este espacio para futuras noticias y planes para
las Defensas del Norte!
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