At its meeting on May 12, the government adopted amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers (CM) regulations “Specific Support Objective 5.1.1 of the European Union Cohesion Policy Program for 2021–2027 ‘Promotion of the Integrated Social, Economic, and Environmental Development of Local Territories and Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Security in Urban Functional Areas’ Measure 5.1.1.5. “Restoration of Unique Cultural Heritage of European Significance, to promote their accessibility by developing cultural services,” to ensure the reallocation of state budget funding available under this measure and to make other technical clarifications.
The SJSC "State Real Estate" (SRE) has reported that additional work and funding are required for the Great Guild Hall project. To ensure high-quality operation of the concert hall and an appropriate visitor experience, it is necessary to adjust the height and slope of the acoustic panels on the stage ceiling, provide movable acoustic side panels for the stage, LED strip lighting, sound-absorbing curtains for the back wall of the stage, and fully furnish the building. Meanwhile, in another project under this initiative—the renovation of the Daugava Gate—most of the work has already been completed, resulting in cost savings.
It has been decided to reallocate the funding savings of approximately 189,000 euros generated by the Daugava Gate improvement project from that project to the Great Guild project. In addition, clarifications have been made to the Cabinet of Ministers’ regulations; however, these amendments will not affect the selection of project proposals under Measure 5.1.1.5, as no new project selection is planned.
Under Measure 5.1.1.5., support is intended for the preservation, protection, and development of unique cultural monuments of national significance located in the historic centre of Riga, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while also promoting the accessibility of these sites and the innovative use of cultural heritage as a sustainable resource to improve the quality of life and strengthen the local community. The goal of the investment is to integrate into the historic built environment and diversify the range of cultural offerings and services. With funding from the European Regional Development Fund secured by the Ministry of Culture, several strategically important projects are planned for the restoration of cultural heritage sites and the development of public outdoor spaces in Riga:
Phase 1 of the development of public outdoor space in Old Riga;
Restoration of the Latvian National Museum of History’s operations at Riga Castle and the installation of its exhibition;
Reconstruction of the stormwater drainage, water supply and sewerage networks at Daugavas gāte and the Riga Castle forefront, construction of facade lighting and information stand;
Reconstruction and restoration of the Great Guild, Stage II;
Rebuilding and restoration of the “Arsenāls” exhibition hall, Stage II.
Information prepared by:
Alma Rudzīte
Officer of Public Relations Division, Ministry of Culture
Tel.: +371 25784795
Email: Alma.Rudzite@km.gov.lv
(Translated with the help of DeepL Translate)
