Patience is running out as the fence continues to disfigure the heart of Gdansk. The Pomeranian Regional Monument Conservator has joined the numerous critics of the ugly Zlota Brama fence. The office has obliged the owner of the gate - which is SARP "Wybrzeże" - to make ongoing repairs and remove the controversial fence. What next for the 17th-century monument?
Constituting the beginning of Dluga Street, the Golden Gate has been fenced off with an ugly fence since 2021. Residents and tourists are surprised that despite the controversy - the fence still does not disappear. Especially since no work is currently underway at the monument. Criticism falls on the Association of Polish Architects "Coast", because the association owns the 17th-century monument. The Pomeranian Regional Monument Conservator, who ordered an inspection of the historic building, has lost patience. And, regardless of the permits already issued for the work, he has obliged SARP "Wybrzeże" to carry out ongoing repairs and to change the netting securing the gate, from an unattractive green one to a less conspicuous white one. Removal of the fiberboard fence, which now surrounds the gate and, as the conservator's office stresses, "definitely does not raise the profile of the monument," is also to begin.
After the previous renovation of the Golden Gate, carried out back in the late 1990s, it looked impressive, but unfortunately the work at that time did not eliminate the cause of the monument's main problem - moisture. During the first stage of the current work, the upper terrace of the gate was sealed off from moisture. It is hoped that the second stage, agreed in detail with the conservation office, will gain momentum and proceed without obstacles and delays. The owner knows exactly what to do and how to do it," says Dariusz Chmielewski Pomeranian Regional Conservator of Monuments.
The fence will disappear, but a new one will appear
When will the fence disappear?
The plan is to dismantle the fence at the beginning of July, when construction work on the second stage will begin, announces Natalia Balcerzak, president of SARP "Wybrzeże" in an interview with AiB.- At that time, we will also proceed with the next stage of work: renovation of the basement and foundations of the Golden Gate. A new fence in a completely different, more aesthetically pleasing, form will be installed for the duration of construction. We plan to complete the work in November this year. Due to the complexity of the work, we are not able to predict what we will discover when the floor is removed - we take into account that something may surprise us.
The president of SARP "Coast" points out that the fence protects the plaster falling off the walls of the gate.
Soon the "loose" plaster, will be cut off. In our plans, in addition to work on the foundations and basement, we are planning to renovate the facade of the Golden Gate, for this investment we will try to obtain a grant from, among others, the Marshal's Office," Natalia Balcerzak explains.
Why is the renovation taking so long?
And she adds that the renovation and preparations for it take so much because of the monument's rank.
The renovation of the Golden Gate is expected to last until the end of 2027.
Ewa Karendys
There is no sluggishness on our part. I don't want to speak on behalf of the previous board, I took over as president in January last year. Since then we have done the documentation and agreements with the conservator, obtained permits and grants. I think we have really managed to do a lot in a year. My ambition is to have the renovation done in time for the end of the board's term, i.e. by the end of 2027. - says AiB Balcerzak.
Unofficially in Gdansk, it is said that the possibility of buying back the monument from the association was considered by the impatient City.
Officially, no concrete proposal has been made. To start any talks, it would be necessary to make an estimate, to see how much the property is worth. However, we are not interested in selling, especially since it is only in 2022 that we have paid off the loan for the purchase of the land under the Golden Gate, besides, we are preparing for the next stages of the renovation," says Natalia Balcerzak.
Interiors of the monument not for tourists
However, there were to be more changes related to the 17th-century monument. Last February, the president of SARP announced that she wanted to open the interiors of the Golden Gate to residents and tourists, including the terrace overlooking Dluga Street and Dlugi Targ. However, this has not happened.
The fence will soon disappear, but a new one will appear.
Ewa Karendys
I have a big dissatisfaction, I strongly wanted to implement this idea as early as last year, especially since similar expectations are now being raised by city councilors. Unfortunately, this action requires the preparation of several necessary studies and obtaining the required approvals. In addition, allowing tourists in en masse would entail taking out additional insurance: (there is a winding staircase leading to the terrace) and hiring staff to take care of the guests. However, I hope that we will find a way to make this unique space available in the future," says Natalia Balcerzak.