Ground Breaks for Montserrat's New National Museum
New building will showcase the Caribbean island's heritage and culture
PRESS RELEASE - 2011
Brades, Montserrat (June 30, 2011) - As part of the Montserrat Tourist Board's (MTB) commitment to showcase the destination's unique culture and heritage, the MTB is pleased to share the news that work has started on the island's new National Museum in Little Bay at a groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, June 3, 2011.
The project, organized by the Montserrat National Trust and managed by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), is scheduled to be complete by January 2012.
Director of Tourism at the MTB, Ms. Ernestine Cassell comments, 'The start of this purpose-built structure in Little Bay is a clear indicator that Montserrat is well on its way to re-development following years of volcanic activity. When completed it will form a critical part of our tourism product and represent another important milestone in Montserrat's history.'
Located in the heritage park and the Green Development Block (near the cricket field) of Little Bay Development, the museum will be one of six buildings framing the future Heritage Park Complex and after completion, will be the third building situated in the new capital city.
Funding for the new museum was provided by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID), the European Union (EU) and facilitated by the MTB. At an estimated value of $2.5 million EC (approximately $9.5 million USD), the structure, designed and being built by local architect firm, Alford Dyett Associates, will replace the old museum that was originally located on Richmond Hill in the south of the island.
The new facility will house exhibition areas; a souvenir shop; a meeting room; a refectory area; an activity area and will be equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities and special needs.