Investments in cultural heritage worth 36.7 million euros are planned to preserve, protect and develop cultural monuments of national importance located on the territory of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center of Riga.
Locations including the Arsenāls exhibition hall, the Great Guild Hall, Valņu Street, Teatra Square and the Latvian National History Museum (LNVM) in Riga Castle are all in line for funding.
On Thursday, November 7, the Ministry of Culture (MoC) will launch the program of the European Regional Development Fund "Recovery of unique European cultural heritage to promote their accessibility by developing cultural services".
With the investments of the EU funds, it is planned to improve accessibility and expand the use of various locations, improving the quality of life of society and strengthening the community of local residents.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Commenting on whether the planned works will mean that Riga residents and visitors have to expect renovations in the old town, the minister Agnese Lāce stated: "Speaking, for example, of the exhibition hall "Arsenāls", there will really be extensive construction works, including the arrangement of the outdoor space around it, so it will definitely will be a project that cannot be overlooked, but with an important purpose – this truly unique exhibition hall deserves to welcome visitors again, and [also from the point of view of accessibility] this exhibition hall must be more comfortable and safer for all visitors."
"Also, when talking about the rebuilding of the Great Guild, construction work is already under way there, and it is within the framework of this fund that the Great Hall will be renovated, the premises will be adapted to the needs of both musicians and visitors, and there will also be the implementation and resolution of environmental accessibility measures, which is very it is essential that a range of high-quality cultural events is available to every citizen," the minister explained.
Environmental and pedestrian infrastructure improvement works are also planned. Speaking specifically about Valņu Street, the minister explained that improvements to the street and the development of green infrastructure are planned. "This will promote life in Old Rīga and, therefore, also promote the consumption of culture," the minister emphasized.
Lāce also emphasized that all works will be carried out in accordance with the regulations for the protection and preservation of the historical center of Rīga, as well as with the binding regulations of the Riga municipality.
"The fact that all the projects are located in the historical center of Riga, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, I see it as an opportunity to strengthen, preserve and really make these historical assets available to the public," the minister said.
Author: eng.lsm.lv