Public consultation commences for City Hall restoration plan

The European Union assistance to refurbish City Hall will soon be a reality, as a public consultation begins for the finalisation of a restoration plan for that facility.

The consultation began yesterday (Thursday, March 16, 2017) by the European Union and the National Trust of Guyana which hosted two seminars on conservation and tourism management.

News Room understands that the seminars are being done so that the Guyana National Trust can have input from the public before it commences the much-needed restoration.

During the public workshops, a UK consultancy firm is being used to develop the proposed plan. It is expected that the plan will be completed by May this year, but only after five similar forums are conducted so that there will be inputs from various stakeholders.

Multiple uses are being proposed for City Hall, including its tourism and revenue earning potential while functioning as an administrative building. There is also the hope that the plan could build capacity for future restoration initiatives.

The soon to be finalised plan will include condition assessment, feasibility developmental of the necessary drawings, tenders, and cost among other areas.

City Hall can be considered as one of the most prominent landmarks in Georgetown, but over the years it fell into disrepair as the council struggled to meet its monthly financial obligations.

It was last year December that the European Union and the Mayor and City Council signed off a $64M study for a Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan for the building. The contract was awarded to EURONET Consulting GEIE.