'Cui bono'

'Cui bono' - Qui vont être les benéficiaires?

• For the Town:
• The building is already in the ownership of the town.  There are therefore no costs of purchase. The costs of stewardship will be eased. Control of access to the building is also in the hands of the town, and so there are no insuperable problems of access connected with ownership, except a modest reduction in the size of the town's gardening facilities. The existing financial responsibilities for the building will be assisted by private patronage money.  The town will continue to own and operate the building, and not lose any ownership control.  No purchasing process is required. No annual property taxes will be incurred.
• For Monuments and Bâtiments de France:
• The smallish original 17th century building will be correctly and authentically restored to their detailed stringent requirements in authentic materials and construction. (The fortresse de Chinon is a recent example). All building methods will facsimile 17th century traditions. Any new ancilliary service structures will be to modern standards, but not touch the 17th century edifice. It might be possible to restore the building in stages (internal/external, the service module etc.) Nonetheless the old building will need to satisfy modern safety requirements.
• For the 101 Mécènes:
• In return for sponsoring an element of construction, a beam, a fireplace, a plastered wall etc., the mécène will have a 10-year special right to use the building once a year for their own purposes.  She or He will have a lasting sense of participation in the project, and the restoration process itself.
• For the ordinary citizen of Richelieu:
• There will be a useful authentic building in place of the derelict tower that dominates the apperance of the only part of the perimeter wall that is not encumbered with illegal additions and gardens.  It is very visible from the public roads running around the town's walls.
• For the tourist:
• The town's external appearance will be much improved. A small guard building will be an addition to the larger restored structures - Éspace Richelieu, the Museum, la Halle, l'église et sa cour - that bear witness to the extraordinary history of the town.  The only guard tower unoccupied and undomesticated, the interior can be absolutely authentic to the style of the 1630s. The growing set of interesting buildings that are worth a visit will be extended.
• For the local businesses:
• The building can be used for dinners and other meetings presented in an authentic style from the 17th century.  Menus can be created to reflect the 1630s, adding a touristic experience at present not offered by any restauranteur or traiteur.
• For Richelieu's touristic image:
• The guard tower is very photogenic and could well provide a principal digital image for the town for international publicity.  In the digital world of tourism this is an important opportunity.
• For other parties interested in Richelieu's achievements:
• Even the Academie Française and other metropolitan groups might have some formal connection to the new meeting room. The episcopate of Luçon might be represented, as might the owners of le château de Coussay. Other local historical Associations might be interested to use the new facilities as a clubroom, reflecting their theme.