The World Heritage Status, awarded to the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal, may be stripped away from Caernarfon town, due to a new development on the Victoria Docks.
April 17, 2007 (Press Release) --
Caernarfon's Castle and it's town walls were added to the World Heritage List in the 1980's by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization); recognised as one of the "finest examples" of late 13th century architecture. As a consequence of recent developments at the Victoria Dock, this prestigious status, shared by Caernarfon with some of the worlds most famous landmarks, may be in jeoprady.
In a statement, UNESCO's International Council on Monuments and Sites said, "The potential impacts of this project development on the outstanding universal value of the property will be evaluated." (source BBC news).
When organisations such as Cadw, who's sole mission is to "protect, conserve, and to promote an appreciation of the built heritage of Wales" (source), fail to see these potential dangers, one does wonder what they're up to.
Initially the plans were called in the the Welsh Assembly (after Cadw raised some concerns), however it was soon decided that the decision making should lie with the Gwynedd County Council; what a shame.
Gwynedd County Council originally sold the plot for £1, claiming the price "reflected the extensive liabilities and costs attached to developing the site." It's a shame that the tattered town center isn't the focus of renevations or developments, where the heritage and attraction of the Castle could be enhanced rather than degraded.
Gwynedd County Council are well aware of the implications of losing the town's world heritage status. The brief of a meeting held by the Arfon Area Planning Committee meeting makes an interesting read. The importance of Caernarfon's World Heritage Status is established and asserted quite clearly.
"The ‘World Heritage Site’ status is essential to the prosperity of the towns where they are located and especially the prosperity of Caernarfon which is one of the main centres for service in Gwynedd."
This is the latest insult to many Caernarfon locals, and myself, who have felt very strongly against the development since it's inception. Many of Caernarfon's businesses rely on the tourist trade. The threat imposed by this new development seems graver than ever.
In a statement, UNESCO's International Council on Monuments and Sites said, "The potential impacts of this project development on the outstanding universal value of the property will be evaluated." (source BBC news).
When organisations such as Cadw, who's sole mission is to "protect, conserve, and to promote an appreciation of the built heritage of Wales" (source), fail to see these potential dangers, one does wonder what they're up to.
Initially the plans were called in the the Welsh Assembly (after Cadw raised some concerns), however it was soon decided that the decision making should lie with the Gwynedd County Council; what a shame.
Gwynedd County Council originally sold the plot for £1, claiming the price "reflected the extensive liabilities and costs attached to developing the site." It's a shame that the tattered town center isn't the focus of renevations or developments, where the heritage and attraction of the Castle could be enhanced rather than degraded.
Gwynedd County Council are well aware of the implications of losing the town's world heritage status. The brief of a meeting held by the Arfon Area Planning Committee meeting makes an interesting read. The importance of Caernarfon's World Heritage Status is established and asserted quite clearly.
"The ‘World Heritage Site’ status is essential to the prosperity of the towns where they are located and especially the prosperity of Caernarfon which is one of the main centres for service in Gwynedd."
This is the latest insult to many Caernarfon locals, and myself, who have felt very strongly against the development since it's inception. Many of Caernarfon's businesses rely on the tourist trade. The threat imposed by this new development seems graver than ever.
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