THE JAMAICA National Heritage Trust has begun restoration of the annex of Headquarters House, 79 Duke Street where the organisation's head office is based.
The Trust last week signed the contract for the work valued at approximately $11 million with contractor W. G. Anderson Ltd., who is expected to complete the project within a three-month time frame.
At the contract signing, JNHT chairman the Rev. Devon Dick said the organisation was expecting the work to be done on time and within budget. He noted that once the building is restored, it is expected that members of the Archaeological Division currently based in Port Royal will be relocated there where they can work in a more comfortable environment.
Pyramid Designs provided the working drawings for the renovations, while A DE B Consultants Ltd will provide engineering services. The project is being managed by quantity surveyors Robert H. Blankson and Associates.
The annex at the back of Headquarters House was used as kitchen, wash house, servant quarters and stables in the early days. Sir Thomas Hibbert, a wealthy businessman and member of the Legislative Assembly constructed the house itself in 1755. In 1814 the house was bought by the war office and served as military headquarters and residence of the general of the armed forces. The important political changes that took Jamaica from Crown Colony status to self-government were debated and implemented here.
