The Government will table proposals to improve the main entrance to No 6 Convent Place for discussion at tomorrow’s meeting of the Development and Planning Commission.

Changes will include the current Convent Guard room being converted into the new reception for No 6. The exterior of the building is set to be returned to its original shape before being repaired.

A Government statement insists that the current reception will be used as the Regiment’s Guardroom. A new doorway, to face on to the Convent will serve as an entrance for the Guard to march out of when mounting Guard. The government insists that the door will be faced with authentic stones taken from the old Buena Vista barracks.

A statement notes, ‘these enhancements will provide the Regiment with a purpose-built Guardroom containing modern showers and washing facilities whilst also giving a more attractive, professional and secure entrance to No 6. It is significant that the overall appearance of a square which is visited by thousands of tourists every year will be visually improved without any loss of Gibraltar’s military heritage.

The relevant plans have been discussed with HE the Governor, the Commander British Forces, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, the Council of Colonels and the Heritage Trust. Everyone is fully supportive of proposals which will add so much to an area of such great constitutional and historical significance.’