3 October 1997       Doc. 7938

ADOC7938

      MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

      on the conversion

      of disused hospitals and military buildings

      presented by MM. Legendre, Baumel and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Assembly recalls its Resolution 916 (1989) on redundant religious buildings and notes that since then additional elements of the historical heritage of European cities are under threat because of their technological obsolescence, (primarily hospitals), or the restructuring of armies (barracks and fortifications).

2.       The Assembly points out that in the majority of European cities such establishments represent a significant part of the historical heritage and merit preservation.

3.       With regard to hospitals, orphanages and homes, the buildings in which they were located are often impressive constructions which today are viewed as historic monuments. Their importance is, however, not merely aesthetic given the role they have played in the development of towns and cities and in the formation of urban society, a living witness to the long-standing history of solidarity with the sick and the poor.

4.       It is becoming increasingly difficult, however, for technological progress to adapt to such old buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. In the majority of cases, converting these buildings in order to install operating theatres which comply with current standards, or to make individual rooms and bathrooms could only be carried out at the cost of major alterations adversely affecting the architectural style of the buildings.

5.       Barracks and fortifications are indeed monuments of significant architectural interest; in addition they have a pronounced historical dimension, bearing witness to the civil liberties and spirit of defence of a community or nation and, often, the mark of the sovereign, royal or feudal power and the vicissitudes of history.

6.       Barracks and fortifications are faced with the same problems in respect of conversion. Furthermore, the general reduction in the number of troops retained on active service has led to many large military buildings becoming redundant.

7.       Preservation of the joint heritage of the Council of Europe member states is one of the missions of our Organisation. However, the Assembly is aware that public opinion is prepared to accept such preservation only insofar as the restoration costs are committed for the purposes of refurbishing these buildings to provide public amenities.

8.       Accordingly, the Assembly calls on member states:

i.       to take effective steps to preserve disused hospitals and military buildings wherever this is justified by their architectural interest;

ii.       to convert these buildings for the purposes of public amenities compatible with the preservation of their historical or architectural interest;

iii.       to undertake, as soon as possible, a general inventory of hospitals, homes, orphanages and other care or charity institutions of historical or architectural interest;

iv.       to undertake, as soon as possible, a general inventory of military buildings and fortifications of historical or architectural interest;

v.       to ensure that such inventories cover not only the oldest periods but also buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries.

vi.       to provide effective protection for the survival of the original fabric and fittings of such buildings pending future readaptation;

vii.       to provide funds or tax benefits for the restoration, repair and maintenance of these buildings and effective legal protection where they are the property of private individuals or where ownership has been transferred to private individuals;

viii.       to encourage the manufacture of traditional materials and the learning and passing-on of the skills and crafts and architectural qualifications required for the restoration of these buildings;

ix.       to encourage the inclusion of disused hospitals and military buildings of historical or architectural interest in European cultural routes and to ensure that the proceeds of cultural tourism are channelled into the preservation of the monuments visited;

x.       to organise regular conferences offering the opportunity to share experiences on the restoration of such buildings and on conversions to provide public amenities.

      Signed: ¹

Legendre, France, GDE

Baumel, France, GDE

Atkinson, Royaume-Uni, GDE

Belohorska, Slovaquie, NI

Birraux, France, PPE

Briane, France, PPE

Christodoulides, Chypre, GUE

Cubreacov, Moldova, PPE

Fogas, Slovaquie, SOC

Forni, France, SOC

Frey, Suisse, LDR

Mitterand, France, SOC

Ojuland, Estonie, LDR

Pasko, Ukraine, GDE

Pollo, Albanie, PPE

Staes, Belgique, PPE

Telgmaa, Estonie, GDE

¹ .        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP: Group of the European People's Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: Not registered in any political group