Renovations at the historic Wallblake House in The Valley start today and are expected to take two weeks to complete.
The Ministry of Tourism released a notice on 14 March that said the “necessary repairs and improvements” are part of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the site.
For safety reasons, the ministry has advised the public to avoid the external areas of the property until 28 March while work is underway.
However, it confirmed that construction will not affect the neighbouring St Gerard’s Catholic Church or any of its scheduled services and activities.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we maintain and develop Wallblake House as a valued cultural and historical site for future generations,” the notice said.
Heritage building
The stone and hardwood house, built in 1787, is one of Anguilla’s oldest buildings. It was originally part of a plantation that grew sugar cane, and later cotton.
The site, which includes several buildings including the main building, slave quarters, the kitchen, the stable and a mill used to grind cane, was partly destroyed by fire in 1796.
It was later rebuilt and was fully restored by 2004.
In October, 2023, the government issued a invite for expression of interest for the operation of an eatery at Wallblake House.
Then in December, 2023, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication, Utilities, Housing and Tourism held a consultation on the addition of a dedicated arts and crafts section.
Last December, then infrastructure minister Haydn Hughes said renovations were scheduled to begin that month and continue into the first quarter of 2025.
He explained that there had been a delay to scheduled work at the heritage building due to the procurement process.
An online guide to Wallblake House by Kenn Banks of the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society can be viewed here.
