The European Investment Bank Institute and Europa Nostra, the leading heritage organisation in Europe, published in December 2016 a technical and financial report to restore and develop Patarei Sea Fort in Tallinn (Estonia), listed among The 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe in 2016.
“The financial viability of the whole development for the private sector appears very doubtful without a large injection of equity or grant”, write the experts following a four-day mission in Tallinn in September, during which they visited Patarei and met with national authorities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. “There is no objection that some parts may be sold to the private sector but, if so, these should be under the strict control of the Administration or its representative,” they conclude.
Built in 1840, Patarei Sea Fort is the largest intact classical style building in Estonia, remarkable for its architectural value, being one of the biggest defence complexes to survive as a whole unit in the Baltic Sea Region. But the monument is in an advanced state of decay due to lack of maintenance for several years and inadequate funding from the owner, the Estonian State. The redevelopment costs as proposed are estimated to be over 100 million euros, spread over several years.
Following the expert missions to other sites listed among the 7 Most Endangered 2016, Europa Nostra and the EIB Institute will announce at the beginning of next year the technical and financial actions plans for the archaeological site of Ererouyk and the village of Ani Pemza in Armenia, Helsinki-Malmi Airport in Finland, Colbert Swing Bridge in Dieppe in France and the Kampos of Chios in Greece.
The EIB Institute facilitates the transfer of know-how and experience between different partners and countries in the heritage conservation field. It cooperates with Europa Nostra to identify those under acute danger of neglect or destruction.
