COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Cultural heritage property owners may be financially supported according to the part of Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme - "Community Development". Co-operation of public and private funds is a new activity in Lithuanian conservation which is implemented only through OTRA. Part of Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme Budget is allocated for the support of private renovations. Concerning the relationship between State (municipal) and private funds, the following principles are applied: Up to 50% of the renewal costs for roof renovation, street facades and building surroundings and up to 40% of the renewal costs for yard facades and landscaping can be covered by public funds.
Common public-private partnership projects are implemented since the year 2000. Consultation meetings are often organised, special information publications are distributed. It is explained how to preserve authentic parts of buildings and their environment. It encourages the public consciousness, interest in Vilnius Old Town values and means of their preservation.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have provided support for the Community Development. In 1999-2000 UNESCO/WHC - UN/UNDP Technical Assistance Programme included the promotion of public involvement, the dissemination of information among the population and investors. The leaflet "How to take part in the Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme", brochures "Investors' Guidelines" and "Conservation Guidelines" were published in the framework of this support.
In 1999 2003, financial
support for a Community Development was provided by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) in Lithuania. Information brochure "Preservation of Authentic
Elements of Built Fabric of Vilnius Old Town: Entrance Gates, Doors and Windows"
and the leaflet "Program of Study Tours for Youth" were published in the framework
of this programme.
In 2004 applications of 58 house owners were submitted. Most of the owners applied for the facades (28) and roofs (23) renovation; also for the improvement of 9 yards and repair of 13 balconies. Because of lack of financing the financial support was allocated only for 12 objects (5 balconies, 8 roofs and 2 facades). House owners allocated 218 thousands of Litas for the works.
In 2005, 12 applications of house owners were submitted (8 for the support of roof renovations and 4 for facade renovation. 6 objects were selected and received the municipal support: 4 roofs and 2 facades were renovated through public-private partnership contracts. The total cost of renovation works was 362 thousands of Litas; owners part was 185 thousands of Litas. Total house owners input to the Revitalisation Programme was 1,9 mln. of Litas during 2000 - 2005; there were 40 objects renovated.
In 2006 applications of 12 house owners were submitted (for renovations of 7 roofs and 6 facades, improvement of 2 yards and the repair of the balcony). Some owners changed or postponed their plans, and finally only 3 contracts were signed, and 3 objects received the municipal support: 1 balcony was repaired, the facade in Totoriu St. 20 was renewed and the wooden house in Vytauto St. 63 was renovated.
In 2007 applications of 26 house owners were submitted (for renovations of 10 roofs and 5 facades, renewal of 10 wooden houses and the repair of the balcony). Later some owners changed or postponed their plans, but finally 10 contracts for public-private partnership works have been prepared. 7 contracts were prepared for the roofs renovation, 1 for the repair of the balcony and 2 contracts for the renewal of wooden houses (Traidenio St. 35 and Pušų St. 16). The contracts were not signed by UAB Vilniaus Kapitaline Statyba and works were not implemented in 2007.
In 2008 applications of 7 house owners were submitted (for renovations of 4 roofs and 1 facade, for the renewal of 1 wooden building and the repair of the balcony). These applications were not granted because of lack of financing. Some contracts from the year 2007 were implemented. Roofs of Didžioji St. 11 ir Savičiaus St. 10 were renovated and two wooden buildings (Traidenio St. 35 and Pušų St. 16) were renewed. All works were financed in the co-operation of private and municipal resources (50 % each). The restored and upgraded wooden buildings are listed in the Register of Immovable Cultural Properties.
In 20092011 there were 24 applications submitted.
House owners of the Old Town area can submit their applications for the renewal of the exterior of buildings and upgrading of their environment. Applications are accepted in Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency, Stiklių St. 4.
For more information:
K.Masaitis
tel. +370 5 212 25 35
e-mail: k.masaiti@takas.lt
