07-02-2013

Discussion on Development of the Fortress takes place at the Rothko Art Centre

The state joint-stock company ‘State Real Estate’ in cooperation with Daugavpils City Council and the State Inspection for Heritage Protection organized a discussion on “Development perspectives of the Daugavpils fortress” on February 7 at Mark Rothko Art centre. The objective of the discussion was to summarize ideas, experience and the completed work in order to help in elaboration of united vision concerning the further development of the fortress. Discussion began with speeches of head of the board of the state JSC ‘State Real Estate’ Baiba Strautmane and the head of the Daugavpils City Council Žanna Kulakova.

Baiba Strautmane invited the participants of the discussion to an open conversation and to have an open attitude to new ideas; she also thanked the participants for taking part in the discussion.

Žanna Kulakova extended greetings to the participants of the discussion at theDaugavpilsfortress on the part of Daugavpils City Council.

Ms Kulakova emphasized: “The city alone would not be able to cope with such a huge object. Great thanks to all those who are interested in development of the fortress. The municipality is not the only owner of the property in the territory of the fortress – there is also property owned by the state and private property. Therefore it is important for us to cooperate, think and work for the common aim. It is a great pleasure that the State also participates in the development of the fortress by constructing of the State police complex. All projects that have been implemented serve as good examples for other owners – it’s time to clean up their property. It will be a contribution for the future, an incentive for investments and new opportunities for the fortress”.

The aim of theDaugavpilscity council is to develop the fortress into the main centre of tourism, culture and business activity. However this aim can be reached only if all the interested parties cooperate. Another step in this direction from the municipality is the idea of creation of the fortress maintenance and development council. Many people admitted that establishment of Mark Rothko Art centre is the best proof of the revival of the fortress.

The Deputy Chairperson of Daugavpils City Council Līvija Jankovska considers that the most important task is to get approval and support of the residents regarding activities in the fortress, to get their understanding of the potential of this huge object, to encourage residents to come with their ideas and help.

Besides the representatives of the property-owners of the fortress (the state, municipality, legal and private entities) other interested parties, such as residents of the city, entrepreneurs, architects and experts also take part in the discussion.

In the first part of the meeting the panel discussion took place. Participants – State JSC ‘State Real Estate’, State Inspection for Heritage Protection,Daugavpilscity council, entrepreneurs and representatives of residents of the fortress. The basic objective of the panel discussion is to discuss the long-term development perspectives of theDaugavpilsfortress by taking into account opinions of various interest groups.

The discussion was continued with workshops. The task of the workshops was to examine the further opportunities of utilization of property owned by the state basing on the results of the panel discussion.

The results of the discussion will be used in preparing of a united and collectively elaborated conception of the project regarding perspectives of further development of theDaugavpilsfortress and funding models. Conception of the project will be submitted for review in to the Cabinet of Ministers till July 1.

Information has been prepared by the press secretary ofDaugavpilscity council Līga Korsaka