One of the points of the governmental agreement of the New Majority, signed on June 3, just after the municipal elections, was the protection of our architectural heritage, which traditionally has made our town a unique and admired place. The museum reform bill presented by the previous municipal and provincial governments was a clear violation of this principle, since it affected negatively the conservation of the buildings subject to refurbishment action. One of the first orders I gave, as soon as I was elected Mayor, was to stop the reform at those points that did not meet such a criteria, in line with the opinion of Plataforma Ciutadana SOS Sitges, a Citizen's Platform to whom I wish to thank their awareness campaign and continuing effort to preserve our heritage over the years.
In this sense, the new Heritage Consortium that emerged from the agreement between the City Hall and the Provincial Council, is now managing the refurbishment of the museums and redirecting three crucial points: removal of the glass façade and exterior ramp with sea views, that broke with the original architectural complex; elimination of Cau Ferrat platforms implemented to conceal all the wiring that have damaged the perspective and dimensions of the interior, and the modification of the façade of Can Rocamora (Can Xicarrons) to adapt the original design.
Now, with the chartering of the new Consortium, the time of institutions has arrived. Now, the works for the reform of the museums - absolutely necessary due to the degree of deterioration of buildings – will ensure the execution of an ambitious project complying with all the terms and fully respectful with our architectural heritage. I think that I am not mistaken in saying that the reorientation of the project coincides with the general feeling of all the inhabitants of Sitges, most of which have never seen with good eyes the intentions of the previous project.
For such a reason, the two institutions that constitute the Consortium agreed to appoint Vinyet Panyella as Director-Manager of the new body. She will assume the position during the coming days. The profile of Vinyet is ideal for this position of responsibility, even more in this moment where it is necessary to manage the reconduction of renewal works with utmost care and skill: a solid experience in cultural management, a brilliant intellectual career and a profound love for Sitges and its heritage in all its vastness. The fact that Vinyet has accepted this task is a guarantee for the Consortium, and also all management areas that include: the Museums, Palau Maricel and the Stämpfli Foundation - Contemporary Art.
